Chennai is hosting the first Test of the four-game series between India and England. By the end of the third day's play on Sunday, February 7, 2021, India's score sat at 257/6, with Washington Sundar (33*) and Ravichandran Ashwin (8*) still at the crease.
India is fighting to avoid a follow-on, a challenge that looms large as they enter the fourth day. While Sundar and Ashwin are desperate to hold their ground and accumulate runs, England is keen to capitalize on the momentum and break the partnership. India requires 122 more runs to steer clear of the follow-on threat.
Rishabh Pant came agonizingly close to his first century on home soil but was dismissed for 91, caught by Jack Leach off Dom Bess. Despite the heartbreak, Pant put on a show with 9 fours and 5 sixes. This marks the second time Pant has been dismissed for 92 while playing in India. Meanwhile, Cheteshwar Pujara fell for 73 in a bit of an unusual fashion; after playing a shot to the leg side off Dom Bess, the ball hit Ollie Pope's shoulder, allowing Rory Burns to take the catch.
Earlier in the innings, Ajinkya Rahane was the fourth man to leave, scoring only 1 run before being caught by Joe Root off Dominic Bess. Virat Kohli also had a short stay, falling for 11 runs to the same bowler. These dismissals followed contributions from Shubman Gill, who managed 29, and Rohit Sharma, who scored 6.