Resilience assumes as much significance as aggression and fearlessness in Test cricket. Something this Indian team, it seemed, had forgotten on Day I of the ongoing third Test at Headingley in Leeds.

The mistakes though haven’t been repeated so far in their second innings as India face an uphill task of wiping off a mammoth 354-run deficit after England ended their first innings at 432 early on Day III, resuming on 423 for 8.

There are still miles to cover if India have to save this Test, but led by Rohit Sharma (59) and Cheteshwar Pujara (91 batting), they have certainly put up a very good fight so far in their second essay, reaching 215 for 2 before early stumps were drawn due to insufficient light on Friday.

Alongside the under-pressure Pujara, captain Virat Kohli (45 batting) too has looked solid with the pair already having stitched together 99 runs for the third wicket to cap off a fine day for the visitors. The conditions were overcast right through. India still trail by 139, but the deficit obviously wouldn’t have been so huge had they not faltered in the first innings.

Cheteshwar Pujara during the third day at Headingley in Leeds on Friday. AP/PTI

After losing the other opener, KL Rahul, to the last ball before lunch, Rohit and Pujara did exceedingly well to brave the conditions, countering the English quicks with a fair amount of grit, determination and patience.

Resolute show

England pacers were able to extract lateral movement out of the pitch, courtesy the gloomy weather with lights on for most part of the day. But Rohit and Pujara hung on, making sure they didn’t fish outside the off stump.

England could have had Rohit late in the afternoon session itself when Ollie Robinson trapped him in front of the stumps. But the hosts ran out of time for the review as Robinson himself wasn’t convinced whether it was plumb or not.

The rub of the green seemed to be going Rohit’s way, but unfortunately for India, his luck ran out in the second over of the day’s final session as Robinson finally got the better of him.

Pujara’s rhythm

Pujara, though, kept going, having regained some form and rhythm when it really mattered both to him and India. Considering how he has paced his innings so far, questioning his intent should stop for the time being.

Agreed England quicks dished out some freebies, yet he deserves all the credit for capitalising on them.