IND vs ENG, 1st Test Day 3: Bumrah’s Fiery Five, Brook’s Near Ton, India Hold Edge at Headingley

In a day packed with drama at Headingley, Jasprit Bumrah led India’s charge with a sensational five-wicket haul (5/83), while England’s young star Harry Brook fell agonizingly short of a century, scoring 99 in a spirited counterattack on Day 3 of the first Test. India, despite sloppy fielding, ended the day at 90/2, leading by 96 runs with KL Rahul (47*) and Shubman Gill (6*) holding fort at stumps.

Bumrah’s Brilliance Overshadows India’s Fielding Woes

India’s day started with promise as Jasprit Bumrah continued his mastery over England’s batters, claiming his 14th Test five-wicket haul and 10th in SENA countries—a record no other Indian pacer has matched. His fiery spell, which included dismissing key England batters, restricted the hosts to 465 all out, conceding just a six-run first-innings lead to India. Bumrah’s ability to swing the ball both ways and exploit Headingley’s seaming conditions was a masterclass, as he accounted for top-order wickets and broke England’s momentum at critical junctures.

However, India’s fielding remained a glaring concern. The team dropped as many as five catches in the innings, with Yashasvi Jaiswal grassing Harry Brook for the third time in the match at 82 off Bumrah’s bowling. Earlier, Rishabh Pant had dropped Brook on 46, and the batter also survived being bowled off a no-ball on Day 2. These lapses allowed England to build crucial partnerships and nearly overhaul India’s first-innings total of 471.

Harry Brook’s Heroics Steal the Show

Resuming at 209/3, England found their spark in Harry Brook, who played with fearless intent to score a breathtaking 99. His aggressive strokeplay, including audacious sixes off Bumrah over extra cover, kept the Indian bowlers under constant pressure. Supported by Chris Woakes’ brisk 38, Brook guided England through an extended afternoon session where they plundered 138 runs in just 23.4 overs. Boundaries flowed freely as India’s pace attack, barring Bumrah, struggled for consistency. Brook eventually fell to Prasidh Krishna, pulling a short ball to Shardul Thakur at fine leg, just one run shy of a well-deserved ton.

India’s Bowling Struggles Beyond Bumrah

While Bumrah shone, the rest of India’s bowling unit faltered. Prasidh Krishna managed two wickets, including Brook and Jamie Smith, but leaked 128 runs in 20 overs, lacking control and variation. Shardul Thakur was underutilized, and spinner Ravindra Jadeja was introduced late despite signs of turn on offer. England capitalized on these inconsistencies, regularly finding gaps and punishing loose deliveries to erase India’s initial advantage.

KL Rahul Steady as India Build Lead

India’s second innings began on a shaky note with Yashasvi Jaiswal falling for just 4 to Brydon Carse, followed by Sai Sudharsan (30) being dismissed by Ben Stokes for the second time in the match. Yet, amid the early wobble, KL Rahul stood tall with a composed unbeaten 47. His elegant strokeplay, featuring seven boundaries—mostly crisp drives—offered a glimpse of vintage Rahul, steering India to a precarious yet promising lead before rain halted play.

Adding to the day’s intrigue, Indian players repeatedly expressed frustration over the condition of the Dukes ball, which appeared worn out early in the innings. After multiple appeals to the umpires for a replacement were turned down, the ball was finally changed in the 75th over, just before the second new ball was due, sparking debate over its timing and impact on the game.

Day 4: A Pivotal Battle Awaits

As the match heads into Day 4, the contest hangs in a delicate balance. India will bank on KL Rahul and Shubman Gill to extend their lead past the 150-run mark, setting a challenging target on a pitch still offering seam movement. England, on the other hand, will fancy their chances with early breakthroughs, especially with pacers like Ben Stokes and Brydon Carse in form. With variable bounce and overcast conditions forecasted, both teams know that every run and wicket will be critical in shaping the outcome of this enthralling Test match at Headingley.