Day 3 in Rajkot was a case of Bazball gone overboard, could perhaps cost Stokes’ men the series Cricket – Third Test – India v England – Niranjan Shah Stadium, Rajkot, India – February 17, 2024 England’s Ollie Pope with Ben Stokes and Mark Wood during the match. (REUTERS/Amit Dave) It’s admirable that Bazball hasn’t had more days like the third day in Rajkot. When they go overboard with their intent, dim their game awareness, and waste a great opportunity to seize an unshakeable grip on the match. Joe Root reverse-lapped Jasprit Bumrah to slip, while Ben Stokes slog-swept to long-on and handed the initiative back to a Ashwin-less India. Instead of a handy lead, they were shot out for 319 in their first innings to trail by 126 before India extended the lead to 322 by stumps. (Read more) Why a Yashasvi Jaiswal hundred prompted Ben Stokes to high-five him Given Joe Root’s struggles against Jasprit Bumrah, and Pat Cummins too, can he be considered a true great? Source link