Kuldeep Yadav stuck to his decision, did not take Rohit’s and the move worked out brilliantly as India were rewarded with the wicket of Zak Crawley.
Kuldeep Yadav and Ravichandran Ashwin helped India strengthen their grip on Day 3 of the Ranchi Test by reducing England to 96/4. Ashwin inflicted early damage, sending back Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope and Joe Root, after which Kuldeep broke through with his first of the innings. Zak Crawley, set after scoring a half-century was left in shambles as the ball turned back in and castled his off-stump.
Kuldeep Yadav and Rohit Sharma celebrate Zak Crawley’s wicket(AP)
And to think of it, it almost wouldn’t have happened had it not been for Kuldeep believing in his ploy, even if that meant defying his captain Rohit Sharma’s advice. As Crawley took strike, Rohit instructed Kuldeep that it might be better off if he brought the fielder in, but the wrist-spinner felt having him on the fence would be a better idea. Rohit agreed and went back to take his position at first slip.
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And on the very next ball, the decision turned out to be gold as Crawley, trying to go for a boundary through that very region, fell for the turn and had his stumps disturbed. Dinesh Karthik on air confirmed the conversation that took place between the two and got recorded on the stump mic.
“Rohit asked whether Kuldeep wanted the gap open there. Kuldeep said no, let there be a gap, let there be cover, but just push the mid-off back. And the next ball, Crawley looking to play towards cover, was bowled neck and crop,” DK said while doing commentary.
While Ashwin is the one with three wickets, Kuldeep has bowled like a million dollars and clearly been the best Indian bowler on show today. After spending almost an hour giving Dhruv Jurel great company during India’s first innings, Kuldeep made the ball talk, leaving Crawley bamboozled. And that wasn’t it. A few overs later, Kuldeep added the wicket of England captain Ben Stokes in his kitty as England took tea at 120/5, leading India by 166 runs.
