India and England are locked in an intense Test battle at Headingley, Leeds, where Jasprit Bumrah’s fiery five-wicket haul handed India a slender first-innings lead. Despite England’s strong batting performance, India managed to regain momentum, closing Day 3 with a 96-run overall lead and eight wickets still in hand. The rain-curtailed day saw action, drama, and milestones as both teams fought to seize control of the match.
Bumrah’s Brilliance Rocks England
India’s pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah delivered a stunning performance, picking up 5 wickets for 83 runs, dismantling England’s middle and lower order. His spell not only helped India bowl out England for 465 runs but also ensured a first-innings lead of 6 runs for the visitors—an edge that could prove crucial in the context of a closely contested Test match.
Bumrah’s effort was well-supported by Prasidh Krishna, who claimed 3 wickets for 128 runs, and Mohammad Siraj, who picked up 2 wickets for 122 runs. The Indian pace trio toiled hard on a batting-friendly surface, with partnerships from the English side continuously threatening to tilt the match in England’s favor.
England’s Gritty Batting Performance
England’s first innings was highlighted by a brilliant century from Ollie Pope, who scored 106 runs off 137 balls, striking 14 boundaries in the process. The 27-year-old’s composed knock marked his ninth Test century, anchoring England’s response after early wickets.
Harry Brook came heartbreakingly close to a century, falling for 99 off 112 deliveries. His aggressive innings included two sixes and 11 fours, and he kept the scoreboard ticking during crucial phases. Brook stitched together vital partnerships, including 49 runs with Chris Woakes and 73 runs with debutant Jamie Smith, who contributed 40 runs off 52 balls.
The innings was a story of partnerships. Ben Duckett and Pope laid the foundation with a 112-run stand, while Brook continued the charge with Ben Stokes (51-run stand), Jamie Smith (73-run stand), and Chris Woakes.
Chris Woakes himself scored a valuable 38 runs, reaching the milestone of 1,000 Test runs in the process. He smashed two sixes and three boundaries, further consolidating England’s position. Brydon Carse, the tailender, chipped in with 22 runs, partnering with Woakes for 55 runs, adding to India’s frustration.
India’s Second Innings: Steady Start Despite Early Jitters
In response, India began their second innings under cloudy skies. Yashasvi Jaiswal, who had scored a century in the first innings, was dismissed early for just 4 runs. However, KL Rahul, showing class and patience, anchored the innings with an unbeaten 47 before rain forced early stumps. Shubman Gill was not out on 6 runs, while Sai Sudharsan added a crucial 30 runs, partnering with Rahul for a 66-run stand.
Sudharsan, who played some attractive shots, eventually fell to Ben Stokes, halting what could have been a defining partnership. India closed Day 3 at 90/2, taking their lead to 96 runs, setting up an intriguing Day 4.
Match Summary So Far
- England First Innings: 465 all out
- Ollie Pope: 106
- Harry Brook: 99
- Jamie Smith: 40
- Jasprit Bumrah: 5/83
- Prasidh Krishna: 3/128
- Mohammad Siraj: 2/122
- India First Innings: 471 all out
- (Included centuries from Jaiswal and others)
- India Second Innings: 90/2 at Stumps Day 3
- KL Rahul: 47
- Shubman Gill: 6
- Lead: 96 runs
With two days left in the match and rain interruptions still looming, the fourth day will be pivotal. India would look to build a substantial lead on a pitch showing signs of variable bounce, while England will aim to strike early and restrict India’s scoring. The match hangs in the balance, with both teams well in contention.
