[Watch] Jimmy Anderson's Stunning Catch Ends Ravi Ashwin's Fighting Innings

Anderson took a magnificent catch [X.com]

Riding on a spectacular diving catch from James Anderson, England got the prized scalp of veteran Indian bowling all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin in the second session on day 2 of Rajkot Test. Anderson, who has bowled with an immaculate control, thus helped Rehan Ahmed get his first wicket in the game. 

The incident occurred in the 120th over of India's first innings when English captain Ben Stokes brought Rehan into the attack to break the stand between Ashwin and Dhruv Jurel. The move paid rich dividends, as the leg-spinner dismissed Ashwin with his guile. 

It was a googly around the leg and middle stump from Ahmed, as Ashwin played an uppish drive on the on side. The ball gobbled up in the air, with Anderson, stationed at mid-on, taking a sensational forward diving catch. 

Watch: Anderson's athletic catch brings an end to Ashwin's stay

Although the veteran cricketer grabbed it on second attempt, his valiant dive showcased his incredible fitness even at 41. 

Earlier, India had a disastrous start to the day, losing Ravindra Jadeja and Kuldeep Yadav in quick succession. When 400 seemed to be a distant dream for the hosts, Ashwin steadied the ship alongside debutant Dhruv Jurel, stitching a fighting 77-run stand for the eighth wicket. 

As of writing, India are comfortably placed at 409 for eight, with Jurel and Bumrah batting on 40* and 0*, respectively. 

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