In a pulsating display of cricket, India firmly asserted their dominance on Day Three of the second Test against England in Visakhapatnam. The scene was set for an epic battle, as India aimed to level the series and England sought to overcome an imposing target.

The day began with India in a commanding position, thanks to their first-innings lead. Shubman Gill, the young Indian opener, had endured a tough period in recent times leading up to this Test match. With mounting pressure and questions about his place in the team, Gill was determined to prove his worth. The pitch at Visakhapatnam had already displayed signs of assistance to both seamers and spinners, setting the stage for a challenging day of cricket.

Gill's innings on Day Three would not only define his career but also contribute significantly to India's bid for victory. He had faced early struggles but was determined to steer India to a position of dominance. With sheer resolve, Gill battled his way to a sublime century, marking his return to form and sending a message to his critics.

Gill's knock wasn't devoid of fortune, as he survived multiple close calls, including two DRS reviews. However, his determination and skill ultimately prevailed, and he reached his century with a sense of relief and triumph. His innings of 104 runs was punctuated by 11 boundaries and two sixes, demonstrating his ability to rotate the strike while punishing loose deliveries.

One of the standout features of Gill's innings was his partnership with Axar Patel, who provided valuable support with a steady 45 runs. Their partnership of 89 runs for the fifth wicket extended India's lead and put England on the back foot. Axar's contribution was vital in ensuring that India's lead swelled to a daunting 370 runs by tea.

England's valiant bowling efforts

James Anderson appeals for the wicket of India's Shubman Gill Reuters

England, despite being faced with a mountainous target, showcased commendable bowling performances. The experienced James Anderson and the young spinner Tom Hartley were at the forefront of England's efforts. Hartley, in particular, delivered an impressive performance, finishing with figures of four for 77.

The trio of English spinners, featuring three young talents with a combined total of three Test caps before this match, displayed remarkable spirit and readiness to take on the challenge. While the occasional drag down or full toss crept in, their persistence in trying their luck was evident. At one stage, with Gill on 104, England seemed to have India under pressure at 211 for four. However, they regrouped and claimed the next six wickets for just 44 runs, showing resilience in the face of adversity.

England's veteran seam bowler, James Anderson, played a pivotal role in the morning session, accounting for the crucial wickets of Rohit Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal. Anderson, at the age of 41, displayed no signs of weariness as he unleashed a delivery that stood up off the seam and sent Rohit Sharma's off stump cartwheeling. It was a masterclass in swing bowling, leaving the Indian opener rueful over his shoulder.

Yashasvi Jaiswal, who had impressed with a stunning double century in the first innings, was next to fall to Anderson's relentless line and length. A drive to slip saw Jaiswal depart, and England seemed to be calling the shots early in the day.

England managed to break through India's resistance even more, with Ben Foakes producing a smart catch to dismiss Rajat Patidar, who had edged one to the wicketkeeper off bat and pad. Runs were ticking by, though, with 102 of them scored before lunch and an additional 97 in the afternoon session.

However, cricket often unfolds in unpredictable ways, and Gill's determination would soon shine through. When he was given out LBW to Hartley with just four runs to his name, he decided to challenge the decision through the DRS system. To his surprise, the replays suggested a faint edge, saving him from an early exit. Moments later, another review went in his favor as Anderson's delivery was deemed to be 'umpire's call'.

England players looking at a review decision PTI

Having survived these two close calls, Gill added exactly 100 more runs to his tally. In the context of the game, facing opponents not easy to intimidate, this was a crucial knock. Gill capitalized on Anderson's exit from the attack, taking the lead past 200 by launching Shoaib Bashir for a six and dashing to his 50 with consecutive fours off Rehan Ahmed.

Gill's appetite for runs was insatiable, as he took a six and two fours off one over from Rehan Ahmed, pushing India's lead past 300. He reached his third Test century in 132 balls, displaying a mix of aggression and composure. His celebration was subdued, but his facial expressions revealed a sigh of relief, as he had battled through a testing period to achieve this milestone.

However, all good things must come to an end, and Gill's fine knock concluded when his reverse-sweep against an off-break delivery from Shoaib Bashir resulted in a glove edge, with Ben Foakes taking the catch behind the stumps. Gill's departure marked a significant moment in the day's play, as India's lead swelled and England clawed their way back into the contest.

Following Gill's dismissal, the momentum shifted once again, this time in England's favor. Axar Patel, who had played a crucial supporting role, fell victim to a well-placed LBW appeal, with Hartley claiming another wicket on review. The English spinners had made a significant impact, and Rehan Ahmed's persistence was rewarded when he trapped KS Bharat, Kuldeep Yadav, and Jasprit Bumrah, leaving India's innings in tatters.

Ravichandran Ashwin, known as a dependable all-rounder for India especially in the red-ball format, showed grit with the bat, managing 29 runs off 61 balls before falling victim to Rehan Ahmed. India's innings eventually came to an end, and they were bowled out for 255 runs. While they had set a challenging target for England, there was still work to be done in the field.

As England's openers, Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett, took to the crease, the enormity of their task loomed large. A target of 399 runs in the fourth innings of a Test match in India had never been successfully chased by a visiting team. The pitch conditions, with assistance for spinners and seamers alike, posed a significant challenge.

An enormous task for the English batsmen on day four

England's batter Ben Duckett plays a shot PTI

To put the enormity of the task into perspective, the target of 399 runs set by India is a record in itself. Chasing such a mammoth total, especially in the subcontinental conditions where spinners come into play as the pitch deteriorates, is a daunting task. It requires not only skill but also immense mental fortitude.

England's reputation as fearless chasers was put to the ultimate test, and they had a mountain to climb. Early loss of Ben Duckett, who was dismissed for 28 runs, may have put the visitors at the back seat, there's hardly any reason for England to lose their hopes. By the end of the day, Zak Crawley displayed grit and determination, reaching a solid 29 not out, ensuring that England's hopes remained alive. The spotlight was now on him to anchor the innings and lead England's charge in the remaining game.

Reflecting on the day, Stokes remarked, "There was a bit of me that wanted them to get to 450, just to see what we'd do." Now, with a target of 399 runs, Stokes and his team are one step closer to finding out if they could replicate their remarkable feats in overseas conditions.

England's resilience had been on full display in the previous Test in Hyderabad, where they overturned a 190-run first-innings deficit to secure a remarkable victory. That performance had raised expectations and bolstered their self-belief. But the challenge of chasing 399 runs against a potent Indian bowling attack and on a deteriorating pitch is a different proposition altogether.