'Archer' nemesis: Plastic ball practice fails as Sanju dismissed by pacer for third straight time

In the third match of the T20 series against England in Rajkot, Indian opener Sanju Samson was dismissed by pacer Jofra Archer once again, marking his third consecutive dismissal by Archer in the series. Samson faced only six balls, managing to score just three runs before being caught off a delivery from Archer in the third over. The catch was taken by Adil Rashid, ending Samson’s brief stay at the crease.

In the first two matches of the series, Samson had struggled against Archer's pace and bounce. Ahead of the third encounter, the Indian batsman underwent special batting training. However, this preparation did not yield the desired results. Samson’s training sessions took place at the Niranjan Shah Stadium in Rajkot, where he faced plastic balls on a cement pitch. During the drills, he focused on shots like pull shots and hooks, which were all practiced with the plastic balls.

India's new batting coach, Shitanshu Kotak, along with other throw-down specialists, was present during the sessions. Despite his efforts to sharpen his skills against short balls and bouncers, including practising cut shots and ramp shots, the training failed to have any impact in the match.

In the opening match, Samson faced 20 balls, scoring 26 runs. In the second match, his form dipped further, as he managed to score only five runs off seven balls.

Third T20I

Indian batters faltered against an incisive England bowling attack as the visitors raised their game in a must-win scenario to win the third T20I by 26 runs and keep the five-match series alive here on Tuesday.

While, Mohammed Shami made a solid comeback to international cricket after 14 months but it was Varun Chakravarthy's bowling effort that stood out as his five-wicket haul helped India limit England to 171/9.

India should have chased down the target but the batters could only manage 145/9 in 20 overs.

India still lead the series 2-1 with the fourth game scheduled in Pune on January 31. (With PTI inputs)