18 February 2024 , 08:03
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India opener Yashasvi Jaiswal equalled the record for the most amount of sixes in a Test match innings as the remarkable 22-year-old hit another double hundred against England.
Jaiswal hit a stunning 214 not out as the hosts ended their second innings on 430-4 to set England a mammoth 557 runs to win the third Test in Rajkot. The opener's 12 sixes matched the world record in a Test match innings set by Wasim Akram for Pakistan against Zimbabwe in 1996.
An embarrassed England legend Sir Alastair Cook, working as a pundit for TNT Sports, admitted that Jaiswal had hit more sixes in his innings that the ex-England captain managed in his Test career (11).
The young batter, who is playing in just his seventh Test match, has enjoyed a stunning start to his India career, and has already amassed 861 Test runs - with 545 of them coming in this series.
India's good news doesn't stop with Jaiswal, as spinner Ravi Ashwin is set to return to the fold for the hosts against England on the penultimate day of the third Test in Rajkot.
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Ashwin’s withdrawal from the Test on Friday evening to tend to a family medical emergency effectively left India down to 10 players as he could only be replaced in the field and not with bat or ball.
Jaiswal ended the innings of 214 not out (AFP via Getty Images)But the spinning great will take India back up to their full complement at some point on Sunday afternoon and be available immediately as they look to move into a 2-1 lead in the five-match series.
A statement from Jay Shah, secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India, said: “Both R Ashwin and the team management are pleased to confirm that he will be back in action on day four.
“The team management, players, media and fans have shown immense understanding and empathy, acknowledging the importance of family as a priority.
“The team and its supporters have stood united in support of Ashwin during this challenging period, and the management is delighted to welcome him back to the field.
“Ashwin and his family kindly request privacy as they navigate through these challenging times.”
Ashwin celebrated his 500th Test wicket just a few hours before pulling out and heading “to Chennai to be with his mother”, according to BCCI vice-president Rajiv Shukla on X.