AFP, Mohali :
Wicketkeeper-batsman Jonny Bairstow hit a gritty half-century to lead England’s fightback against a persistent Indian bowling attack on the opening day of the third Test in Mohali on Saturday.
England, who trail the five-match series 1-0, were 205 for five at tea with Bairstow on 66 and Jos Buttler on 38 at the crease after the visitors elected to bat first.
Bairstow, who recorded his 13th Test fifty, built crucial 50-plus partnerships with Ben Stokes and now Buttler to thwart the opposition’s bowling.
Ravindra Jadeja halted England’s revival with the wicket of Ben Stokes to get the batsman stumped for 29 on a delivery that skidded through after pitching. While trudging back to the pavilion Stokes had an angry exchange with India skipper Virat Kohli, with the on-field umpire jumping in to pacify the two players.
Bairstow remained calm during his 166-ball stay with Buttler, who returned to the side in place of Ben Duckett, batting with intent as the duo put on an unbeaten 61 runs.
Earlier the Indian bowlers rattled England’s top order by claiming four wickets in the morning session including that of skipper Alastair Cook.
Cook failed to capitalise on two dropped chances on three and 23 to eventually fall to Ravichandran Ashwin for 27 as the visitors were reduced to 51 for three.
Ali and Bairstow put on 36 runs for the fourth wicket but Shami struck just before lunch to help India dominate the first session of play.
Shami, who was at the receiving end of Cook’s two spilt catches, got Ali to mistime a hook as the batsman was caught at fine leg for 16.
The visitors lost just one wicket in the afternoon session, adding 113 runs to their total in 33 overs.
