On a hard-fought third day of the opening Test at Headingley, Leeds, India and England gave everything they could before India managed to get a crucial 96-run lead. Jasprit Bumrah produced yet another five-wicket haul in tough conditions, shining as a solitary force with the ball while England nearly erased India’s first-innings advantage, missing by only six runs.
England was dismissed for 465 in their first innings, only six runs behind India’s score. Middle order batsman Harry Brook (99) fell heartbreakingly one run shy of a ninth Test century, and his first at Headingley as India concluded the day at 90-2 when rain curtailed play half an hour early during the last session.
The first Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy is finely balanced, with two exciting days remaining. Neither team could completely take control by the end of the match, maintaining the tension in the game.
The Jasprit Bumrah Show
Pacer Jasprit Bumrah set the record for the highest number of five-wicket hauls by an Indian bowler in England during Test matches on Sunday. The Indian fast bowler achieved his milestone by bowling out English tailender Josh Tongue.
This marked Bumrah’s 12th five-wicket haul outside India, tying him with legendary all-rounder Kapil Dev for the most in away Tests among Indians.
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Nine Indian bowlers have taken two five-wicket hauls in England, but Bumrah stands out with three fifers in just 10 matches.
Bumrah has played nine Tests for India versus England in England and one against New Zealand in England (in 2021, WTC Final). He finished the 2021 WTC final without taking a wicket but has claimed 42 wickets across nine Tests played against England.
KL Rahul’s Resistance Came To The Fore
India began their second innings under some pressure, their confidence shaken by England’s late rally. Yashasvi Jaiswal, who had missed three catches earlier in the game, could not regain the rhythm that earned him a century in the first innings. He was dismissed for only four runs, caught out by an excellent delivery from Brydon Carse in the fourth over.
KL Rahul’s expertise was needed towards the end, as he endured a fierce spell from the English bowlers in a gloomy final session. India concluded their innings at 90 for 2, having lost 20.5 overs due to rain.
Rahul displayed immense patience for India, displaying confidence and skill to finish not out on 47. Skipper Shubman Gill was at the wicket with him at stumps, on 6 not out.
Previously, Harry Brook’s 99 along with a determined effort from England’s lower order enabled the hosts to score 465 in their first innings, essentially preparing for a second-innings battle.
