Harry Brook’s stylish 99 and Jasprit Bumrah’s sublime five-wicket haul scripted an engaging third day in the first Test between England and India at Headingley.
Despite Bumrah’s brilliance with the ball, India’s hopes of taking a commanding lead were blunted by England’s dogged lower order, who propelled the hosts to 465, effectively neutralizing the 247-run first-innings deficit. With a slender advantage, India’s batters faced stiff resistance under overcast skies but managed to stretch the lead to 96 by Stumps on Sunday.
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Harry Brook Anchors England’s Fightback with Masterful Knock
Beginning the day on 225/5, England found themselves relying heavily on Brook to close the deficit. And the Yorkshireman didn’t disappoint. Displaying his hallmark fluency, Brook threaded gaps with precision, finding the boundary whenever India strayed in line or length.
He stitched meaningful stands with both Ben Stokes and debutant Jamie Smith, as England counterattacked effectively during the morning session. Prasidh Krishna provided India their first breakthrough of the day, removing Ollie Pope after being dispatched for a four and a six by Brook.
Stokes, though not at his fluent best, contributed to a valuable half-century partnership before edging behind to KL Rahul off Siraj. “It’s frustrating,” Stokes admitted post-match. “I should’ve capitalized, but credit to their bowling.”
India’s persistence was frequently undermined by sloppy catching. Rishabh Pant shelled a chance behind the stumps off Brook, and Sai Sudharsan couldn’t cling on to a sharp opportunity at short leg to dismiss Smith. These lapses allowed England to motor along, with Brook confidently raising his fifty before Lunch.
England’s Lower-Order Resilience Frustrates Indian Attack
The second session showcased England’s spirited rearguard. Smith and Brook kept the runs flowing, finding ways to score off the back foot against a barrage of short-pitched deliveries. Prasidh finally broke through with Smith’s dismissal, the batter falling into a trap set for the hook shot, with Jadeja completing a catch near the boundary.
India immediately took the second new ball, hoping for quick wickets. Instead, Brook, reveling in familiar home conditions, punished the wayward offerings. Siraj, inconsistent throughout, bore the brunt of Brook’s aggressive intent.
Brook surged into the 90s in thrilling fashion—an authoritative six down the ground off Siraj followed by a crisp boundary through cover. However, heartbreak awaited. On the cusp of a memorable century at his home ground, Brook miscued a pull shot off Prasidh, picked out in the deep for 99.
Despite Brook’s unfortunate dismissal, the tail wagged vigorously. Chris Woakes unleashed attacking strokes, lofting two sixes off Prasidh. His partnership with Brydon Carse, worth 55, ensured England inched ever closer to India’s total. Siraj, finally finding his radar, cleaned up Carse with a toe-crushing yorker, while Bumrah finished the job, rattling Woakes and Josh Tongue’s stumps in successive deliveries to claim his 14th career five-for.
But by then, England had successfully erased the deficit, ensuring India would need to bat well in challenging conditions to seize back control of the contest.
Bumrah’s Heroics Provide Slim Advantage Amid Missed Opportunities
Jasprit Bumrah’s five-for stood out amid a largely inconsistent bowling display from the Indian attack. Utilizing the swinging conditions masterfully, he constantly threatened England’s batters with his pinpoint accuracy and late movement. His reward came late, with two cracking deliveries dismantling Woakes and Tongue to finish with figures of 5 for 78.
“It’s a part of the game,” Bumrah remarked about the missed chances. “You control what you can. I stick to my plans regardless of dropped catches.”
While Bumrah led admirably, lackluster spells from Siraj and Prasidh, combined with lapses in the field, ensured England were allowed back into the contest. The absence of sustained pressure cost India dearly in what could’ve been a game-defining phase.
Rahul Steadies Indian Ship Under Clouded Skies
Faced with the tricky task of batting under looming Leeds clouds, India’s second innings began cautiously. Yashasvi Jaiswal flickered briefly, dispatching Carse for an early boundary, before nicking a delivery that left him just enough to find the cordon.
KL Rahul, however, provided calm amidst uncertainty. He showcased his typical composure—defending with soft hands, leaving judiciously, and pouncing on scoring opportunities. His serene on-drive and elegant cover punch off Woakes were shots of supreme quality.
Partnering with debutant Sai Sudharsan, Rahul added a crucial 66-run stand, countering disciplined English bowling. Sudharsan, nervy to begin with, grew into the innings, unfurling a delightful four through backward point to get off the mark. He later survived a sharp chance at backward point, grassed by Ben Duckett, granting India breathing space.
Rahul brought up his 40 with panache, clipping Josh Tongue through the covers while Sudharsan flicked Ben Stokes for another boundary. However, Sudharsan’s promising knock ended at 31, undone by Stokes’ inswinger, miscuing to short midwicket.
As the rain returned late in the day, Shubman Gill got going with an audacious cut over third man, remaining unbeaten alongside Rahul when bad light brought proceedings to a premature halt.
Brief Scores
India 471 & 90/2 (KL Rahul 47*; Ben Stokes 1-18) lead England 465 (Ollie Pope 106, Harry Brook 99, Ben Duckett 62; Jasprit Bumrah 5-83, Prasidh Krishna 3-128) by 96 runs.
What to Expect on Day 4
With India leading by 96 runs and eight wickets in hand, the fourth day promises intrigue. Rahul, closing in on a deserved half-century, remains key. His partnership with Gill could set the tone—India will hope to post a target that challenges England on a wearing surface.
Weather interruptions might further complicate matters, and considering the attacking approach of this English team, any lead north of 350 could be a handful. For India, sharper catching and improved bowling discipline will be essential if they wish to regain ascendancy.
FAQs
How many wickets did Jasprit Bumrah take in England’s first innings?
Bumrah finished with five wickets for 78 runs, registering his 14th five-wicket haul in Tests.
Why was Harry Brook dismissed for 99?
Brook attempted a pull shot against Prasidh Krishna, mistimed it, and was caught at deep square leg, falling one short of a century.
What was India’s lead at the end of Day 3?
India led by 96 runs, ending the day at 90 for 2 in their second innings.
Who were India’s key batters during the second innings?
KL Rahul (47* off 74 balls) and Sai Sudharsan (31) provided the backbone with a vital 66-run partnership.
What challenges do India face heading into Day 4?
They’ll need to set a competitive target amidst unpredictable weather, ensure fielding improvements, and maintain consistent bowling to challenge England’s batting lineup.
