The first Test of the highly anticipated five-match series between India and England at Headingley, Leeds, has tilted decisively in India’s favor after a dominant Day 3. Following a commanding performance with both bat and ball in the first innings, the Indian team ended the day at 90/2 in their second innings, holding a 96-run lead with eight wickets still in hand.
England, who had won the toss and opted to bowl first, were met with fierce resistance from India’s top-order trio of Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, and Rishabh Pant—all of whom notched impressive centuries to take India to a formidable total of 471 runs in their first innings.
Jaiswal, Gill, Pant Power India to 471
India’s first innings was a tale of intent and resilience. Opener Yashasvi Jaiswal scored a patient 101 off 158 deliveries, laying a solid foundation. However, it was captain Shubman Gill who stole the show with a gritty 147 off 227 balls, showcasing maturity and flair in equal measure. Rishabh Pant brought flair and aggression to the crease, smashing 134 runs off 178 balls, including 12 fours and 6 sixes, to propel India beyond the 450 mark.
KL Rahul contributed 42 crucial runs at the top, while Sai Sudharsan and Karun Nair failed to trouble the scorers. India’s lower order faltered, with Ravindra Jadeja (11), Shardul Thakur (1), Jasprit Bumrah (0), and Prasidh Krishna (1) unable to add much, but the top-order brilliance had done enough.
England’s bowling was spearheaded by Josh Tongue and Ben Stokes, both claiming 4 wickets apiece, while Brydon Carse and Shoaib Bashir chipped in with one each.
England’s Fightback Falls Short at 465
In reply, England posted 465 runs in their first innings—just 6 short of India’s total—but the journey was far from smooth. Jasprit Bumrah delivered a fast-bowling masterclass, picking up 5 wickets for 83 runs in 24.4 overs, repeatedly breaking partnerships at crucial moments.
England opener Zak Crawley was dismissed early for 4, but Ben Duckett (62) and Ollie Pope (106) stitched together a solid stand. Pope played the anchor’s role superbly, while Harry Brook came agonizingly close to a century, falling on 99. The middle and lower order, led by Jamie Smith (40) and Chris Woakes (38), tried to maintain the tempo, but India’s bowlers kept chipping away.
Prasidh Krishna impressed with figures of 3/128, while Mohammed Siraj claimed 2 wickets. Jadeja and Thakur went wicketless but bowled economically, helping to contain the run flow.
India’s Second Innings: Rahul Holds the Fort
India began their second innings with a slender 6-run lead and lost Yashasvi Jaiswal early for just 4. Sai Sudharsan joined KL Rahul and the duo added a steady 66-run partnership before Sudharsan was dismissed for 30. KL Rahul continued his composed approach and was unbeaten on 47 at stumps. Shubman Gill, batting at No. 4, remained not out on 6, as India reached 90/2 in 23.5 overs at the end of Day 3.
England’s bowlers, especially Ben Stokes and Brydon Carse, managed to pick up a wicket each, but the momentum firmly belongs to India heading into Day 4.
Test Captaincy Debut: Shubman Gill Joins Elite List
Notably, this Test marks Shubman Gill’s captaincy debut in red-ball cricket, and he has already entered the history books by becoming the fifth Indian captain to score a century in his very first Test match as skipper. He joins the elite company of greats like Sunil Gavaskar and Mohammad Azharuddin in this rare achievement.
What to Expect on Day 4
With a lead of 96 runs and eight wickets in hand, India will look to bat deep into Day 4 and set England a daunting fourth-innings target on a pitch that may start to assist the spinners and reverse swing specialists.
Meanwhile, England must strike early on Day 4 to keep the game within reach. All eyes will be on how KL Rahul and Shubman Gill approach the morning session, which could define the course of this exciting Test match.
Score Summary:
India 1st Innings: 471 all out (Shubman Gill 147, Rishabh Pant 134, Yashasvi Jaiswal 101; Stokes 4/66, Tongue 4/86)
England 1st Innings: 465 all out (Ollie Pope 106, Harry Brook 99; Bumrah 5/83, Prasidh Krishna 3/128)
India 2nd Innings: 90/2 in 23.5 overs (KL Rahul 47*, Shubman Gill 6*; Carse 1/20, Stokes 1/33)
India Lead: 96 runs
