India vs England 3rd Test Day 1 highlights: Ton-up Jadeja and Rohit take IND to 326 vs ENG; Sarfaraz debuts with 50

India's Sarfaraz Khan and Ravindra Jadeja running between the wickets

India vs England, 3rd Test Day 1 highlights, IND vs ENG: Indian captain Rohit Sharma reached a magnificent century during the third session of the opening day in Rajkot, strengthening the Indian innings alongside Ravindra Jadeja. Rohit and Jadeja slammed centuries as the duo added 204 runs to stage India's fightback. Notably, Jadeja reached his fourth Test ton at his home ground while Rohit notched up his first century in 11 innings. Making a spectacular debut for India, Sarfaraz Khan slammed his first half-century in 48 balls as Rohit and Co. reached 326/5 at Stumps on Day 1 in Rajkot.

Indian captain Rohit ended his streak of low scores in the series with a much-needed century on Day 1 in Rajkot. Rohit's knock came at a time when India were in dire need of a partnership; the side lost three quick wickets in Jaiswal (10), Shubman Gill (0) and Rajat Patidar (5), as pressure mounts on the hosts. Mark Wood made life difficult for the Indian top-order as he removed the two centurions from the Vizag Test -- Jaiswal and Gill -- while spinner Tom Hartley picked up no.4 Patidar in his very first over.

India threw in a surprise as the team management promoted Ravindra Jadeja over Sarfaraz Khan, who was handed a debut Test cap earlier on Thursday morning. The left-hander, however, supported Rohit well throughout the first session and remains unbeaten on 17. Jadeja made a return to the Indian XI after being ruled out of the second Test due to a hamstring injury. He replaced Axar Patel in the XI.

On to some milestones. Ravichandran Ashwin is one strike away from completing 500 Test wickets, while the game will also mark England captain Ben Stokes' 100th. A career starting in 2013, this is easily the best hundred of Stokes' career and England would be hoping for nothing more than to make their captain’s landmark game even sweeter. Easily one of England's greatest, Stokes, along with coach Brendon McCullum have revolutionised Test cricket with their 'Bazball' but whether it can be successful in India, a part of it will be answered over the next five days. Besides Ashwin and Stokes, James Anderson too stands on the cusp of a huge achievement as the veteran England pacer needs five more to complete 700 Test wickets.

Bumrah will share the new ball with the returning Mohammed Siraj on Day 2. Wicketkeeper-batter Dhruv Jurel finally received the management's backing, following KS Bharat's poor show with the bat, and the youngster would be eager to make the opportunity count in Rajkot.

Inaugurated in 2009, the SCA Stadium has witnessed only two Test matches thus far – India vs England in 2016 and India vs West Indies in 2018. The last time India and England did battle at this venue eight years ago, the Test ended in a draw after both teams were involved in a run-fest. Joe Root and Stokes got hundreds before Murali Vijay and Cheteshwar Pujara responded with centuries of their own. However, with no Pujara this time around, the middle-order, sans Shreyas Iyer – who was dropped for the remaining three Tests – promises to be tested.

Below are a few pointers regarding the India vs England 3rd Test:

-India reached 326/5 at Stumps on Day 1 in Rajkot.

-Ravindra Jadeja scored his 4th century off 198 balls.

- Sarfaraz Khan hit half-century off 48 balls on debut.

- Rohit Sharma slammed his 17th half-century in Tests, and his first of the ongoing series.

- Ravindra Jadeja smashed a half-century on his return from injury; his 21st in Test cricket.

- India lost three early wickets in Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, and Rajat Patidar.

- Mark Wood removed Jaiswal and Gill, while Tom Hartley picked no.4 Patidar in his first over.

- Sarfaraz Khan, Dhruv Jurel made Test debuts.