IND vs ENG 1st Test Day 3: In a gripping contest at Headingley Carnegie, the first Test between India and England has reached a crucial juncture at the end of Day 3, with England trailing by just 6 runs after being bowled out for 465 in their first innings. India had earlier posted 471 in 113 overs, thanks to stellar centuries by Shubman Gill, Rishabh Pant, and Yashasvi Jaiswal.
The day belonged to both teams, with Jasprit Bumrah’s five-wicket haul turning the tide after a strong English fightback led by Ollie Pope’s 106 and Harry Brook’s 99.
India’s Bowling Stars: Bumrah Leads With Five-for
India’s premier fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah delivered a masterclass in seam bowling, finishing with 5 for 83 in 24.4 overs. He struck at key moments, removing both openers and returning to clean up the tail. His efforts ensured India retained a narrow first-innings lead.
Prasidh Krishna, despite being expensive, chipped in with 3 wickets, including the dangerous Ollie Pope and Jamie Smith. Mohammed Siraj claimed 2 wickets, including the crucial dismissal of Ben Stokes and Brydon Carse.
England’s Fightback: Pope and Brook Shine
Responding to India’s 471, England lost Zak Crawley (4) early, but Ben Duckett (62) and Ollie Pope stabilized the innings with a 122-run partnership. Pope looked composed and fluent, reaching his century with style before falling for 106 off 137 balls.
Harry Brook narrowly missed out on a deserved century, dismissed for 99 after a counter-attacking display that featured 11 boundaries and 2 sixes. Contributions from Jamie Smith (40) and Chris Woakes (38) helped England inch close to parity.
Despite the fight, England couldn’t surpass India’s total, folding for 465 in 100.4 overs.
India’s First Innings: Gill, Pant, Jaiswal Power the Total
Earlier in the match, India, after being asked to bat by England, posted a commanding 471. Young opener Yashasvi Jaiswal set the tone with a solid 101, while captain Shubman Gill anchored the innings with a magnificent 147 off 227 balls.
Rishabh Pant provided the fireworks, smashing 134 off 178 balls, including 6 sixes and 12 fours, entertaining the Headingley crowd and punishing the English spinners.
India’s middle and lower order didn’t contribute much, with Karun Nair (0) and Shardul Thakur (1) falling cheaply. But the top-order dominance ensured a formidable total on the board.
England’s Bowling Effort: Stokes and Tongue Share the Honours
Ben Stokes, leading from the front, scalped 4 wickets for 66 runs, including the key wickets of Jaiswal, Sudharsan, and Karun Nair. Josh Tongue was equally impressive, also picking up 4 wickets, including the dangerous Pant and Jadeja.
Shoaib Bashir and Brydon Carse managed a wicket each, but the trio of Stokes, Tongue, and Carse bore the brunt of the bowling responsibility.
Where the Match Stands: Balanced on a Knife’s Edge
As Day 3 nears its conclusion, the match is beautifully poised. With England trailing by just 6 runs, the second innings could decide the fate of the Test. The pitch at Headingley has shown signs of variable bounce, making Day 4 critical for both teams.
India will hope their bowlers, especially Bumrah and Siraj, continue their rhythm. Meanwhile, England’s batters will be keen to put up a strong second innings total to push India on the back foot.
What’s Next: Can India Dominate Day 4?
With the match hanging in the balance, all eyes will be on how India starts their second innings and how the English bowlers respond. Another century from India’s top order could tilt the game decisively.
Stay tuned for Day 4 updates as India and England battle it out in this high-stakes five-match Test series.
Match Summary:
- India 1st Innings: 471 all out (Gill 147, Pant 134, Jaiswal 101; Stokes 4/66, Tongue 4/86)
- England 1st Innings: 465 all out (Pope 106, Brook 99; Bumrah 5/83, Krishna 3/128)
- England trail by 6 runs
