Cheteshwar Pujara Bats In Rajkot Nets Amid India's Top-Order Collpase In 3rd Test vs England

Veteran batter Cheteshwar Pujara hit the nets in the practice area of the Niranjan Shah Stadium in Rajkot amid the ongoing third Test between India and England at the same venue. The out-of-favour India batter was preparing for his next Ranji Trophy team Saurashtra's upcoming game against Manipur, set to begin at the C ground of the newly-named Niranjan Shah Cricket Stadium on Friday. As ironic at it may sound, Pujara hit the nets after India lost three early wickets in the morning session.

Mark Wood's twin strikes and Tom Hartley's 15th wicket of the series saw India being reduced to 33/3 after the hosts opted to bat.

India's top-order has struggled so far against the England bowlers. Shubman Gill, who has slotted in Pujara's no. 3 role, has struggled in general.

After scoring a century in the previous game, Gill managed to silence his doubters. However, he failed to open his account in the first innings of the first Test.

Amid Gill and Team India's struggles, Pujara was batting in the nets in Rajkot.

India 93/3 meanwhile Pujara training at nets for the Ranji game at the venue. pic.twitter.com/z2cBE7vFTH

Meanwhile, India captain Rohit Sharma managed to put India in the driver's seat with some valuable contribution from Ravindra Jadeja.

Rohit smashed his 11th century before falling on 131 to Wood. Jadeja, on the other hand, was also nearing triple figures after being promoted up the order.

Rohit and Jadeja added 204 runs for the fourth wicket before the former mistimed his pull and was caught at midwicket.

Earlier, India made four changes to their team with the five-match series level at 1-1, handing Test debuts to batsman Sarfaraz Khan and wicketkeeper Dhruv Jurel.

Mohammed Siraj and Ravindra Jadeja returned to the