Yashasvi Jaiswal equals Wasim Akram's record as India take control of third England Test

India opener Yashasvi Jaiswal matched the record for the highest number of sixes in a Test innings as the remarkable 22-year-old scored another double hundred against England.

Jaiswal's sensational unbeaten 214 propelled the hosts to 430-4 in their second innings, setting England a daunting target of 557 runs to win the third Test in Rajkot. 

His 12 sixes equalled the world record for most sixes in a Test match innings, previously achieved by Wasim Akram for Pakistan against Zimbabwe in 1996.

Former England captain Sir Alastair Cook, now working as a pundit for TNT Sports, conceded that Jaiswal hit more sixes in his innings than Cook managed in his entire Test career (11), expressing his embarrassment at the stark comparison.

In just his seventh Test match, the young batsman made an impressive start to his India career, accumulating 861 Test runs overall, with 545 of them coming in this series alone.

India's positive news continues with spinner Ravi Ashwin poised to make his return to the team for the hosts against England on the penultimate day of the third Test in Rajkot.

Ashwin's withdrawal from the Test on Friday evening, due to a family medical emergency, left India with only 10 players as he could not be replaced with bat or ball, only in the field.

However, the esteemed spinner will restore India to full strength at some stage on Sunday afternoon and will be immediately available as they seek to take 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.”

Having recently celebrated his 500th Test wicket, Ashwin's departure to be with his mother in Chennai was confirmed by BCCI Vice-President Rajiv Shukla on X.