Leeds, June 22, 2025 – Day 3 of the first Test at Headingley saw intense battles as India gained a slender edge over England. Jasprit Bumrah’s five-wicket haul bowled England out for 465, giving India a six-run lead. KL Rahul’s composed 47 not out then steered India to 90/2 in their second innings, a lead of 96 runs, before rain ended play early.
The day began with England at 209/3, trailing India’s first innings of 471 by 262 runs. Ollie Pope, unbeaten on 100, and Harry Brook, on 0, resumed batting. Brook, playing at his home ground, survived early scares, including a no-ball from Bumrah and two dropped catches by Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal. He counter-attacked, scoring a bold 99 off 112 balls, with 11 fours and two sixes. Pope added just six to his overnight score, falling for 106 to Prasidh Krishna, caught behind. Brook and Jamie Smith (40) added a quick 50-run stand, but both fell to short-ball traps from Krishna, caught in the deep. England’s middle order kept the fight alive, with Chris Woakes (32) and Brook pushing them close to India’s total.
Bumrah was the standout bowler, finishing with 5/83 in 24.4 overs, his third five-wicket haul in England. He removed Woakes and Josh Tongue to wrap up England’s innings at tea, equalling Ravichandran Ashwin’s 11 World Test Championship five-fors. Prasidh Krishna took 3/128, while Mohammed Siraj claimed 2/77. India’s fielding was sloppy, with three dropped catches, and Krishna’s 20 overs were expensive, leaking runs at over six an over.
India’s second innings started cautiously, with Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul facing England’s pace attack. Brydon Carse struck early, dismissing Jaiswal (10), who edged to the slips. Sai Sudharsan, on debut, showed promise with 30, sharing a 66-run stand with Rahul. However, Ben Stokes got Sudharsan caught at short mid-wicket by Zak Crawley just before rain intervened. Rahul, batting fluently, was unbeaten on 47, with captain Shubman Gill on 6. England’s bowlers, led by Stokes (1/18) and Carse (1/22), found swing under cloudy skies, but Rahul’s technique held firm.
Rain brought an early close at 10:38 PM IST, frustrating England, who felt they had momentum. The pitch showed signs of wear, with cracks and variable bounce, hinting at challenges for Day 4. India’s lead of 96 gives them a slight advantage, but England’s “Bazball” approach keeps them in the hunt. With two days left and rain forecast, the match remains evenly poised.
