Ranchi, Feb 25 (UNI) Dhruv Jurel’s 90 helped India to reduce England’s first innings lead to 46 runs as the hosts were bowled out for 307 at the stroke of lunch on Day 3 of the fourth Test here on Sunday.
The deficit could have been 150 plus, but for Jurel and Kuldeep Yadav’s resilience, it was negated as they put on a crucial 76 runs stand for the eighth wicket.
Kuldeep had joined the Indian wicketkeeper when India were tottering at 177/7, 176 runs behind England’s first-innings score of 353. While Kuldeep took on Shoaib Bashir’s challenge, Jurel handled pacers Ollie Robinson and Jimmy Anderson.
When Kuldeep (28) played on to his stumps off Anderson, Jurel switched gears and launched an attack on spinners with Akash Deep giving good company. Unfortunately, he missed his maiden Test century by 10 runs but proved his mettle by playing with a cool head.
Tom Hartley (3/68) dismissed Jurel for a well-made 90 off 149 balls, decorated with 6 boundaries and 4 sixes.
Bashir had to grind this morning but deserved his maiden fifer before putting England ahead in one session yesterday and ensuring India did not run away with quick runs to reduce the deficit.
Brief scores: England 353 lead India 307 (Dhruv Jurel 90, Yashasvi Jaiswal 73; Shoaib Bashir 5/119) by 46 runs.
