Image Source: X – Jio Cinema
[Saba Sports News] On the fourth day of the second Test against England in Rajkot, India, under Rohit Sharma’s leadership, set a formidable target of 557 runs for England in the final innings. The day began with India already ahead by 322 runs, and the lead was significantly extended, thanks to notable performances from Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, and Sarfaraz Khan.
As India piled on the runs in their second innings, anticipation grew for a declaration, especially after Sarfaraz and Jaiswal reached their personal milestones. Misinterpreting the situation following a drinks break in the second session with the lead at 536, the pair started heading back to the pavilion, only for Sharma to humorously signal them to continue batting, questioning their premature departure.
This moment of confusion also saw England openers Ben Duckett and Zak Crawley momentarily leave the field, preparing to bat, before being called back. India eventually declared at 430 runs, leading by 556, shortly after this incident. Jaiswal, who stayed not out at 214 off 236 balls, hit 14 fours and 12 sixes, equalling the record for most sixes in a Test innings, a record he now shares with Wasim Akram. Among Jaiswal’s barrage of sixes were three consecutive hits off James Anderson, showcasing his dominance.
Sarfaraz Khan, on his part, continued his impressive entry into Test cricket by scoring a swift 68* off 72 deliveries, while Shubman Gill was run out for 91 earlier in the day, missing a century by a narrow margin. India’s declaration set the stage for an intriguing final innings against England, with the hosts in a dominant position to press for a victory.