Headingley, England: Despite a rapid, free-scoring innings of 99 from Harry Brook and aggressive lower-order hitting, India managed to eke out a six-run first-innings lead against England. Spearheading India’s bowling attack, Jasprit Bumrah claimed 5 for 83, including three crucial breakthroughs on day two and mopping up the tail, even as England scored 138 runs in just 23.4 overs during the post-lunch session.
Brook was visibly distraught after picking out long-leg on 99, having made India pay dearly for their earlier profligacy. He was first reprieved on Saturday evening when Jasprit Bumrah overstepped after taking his wicket before he had scored. On Sunday, he received two more lives: Rishabh Pant dropped him off Ravindra Jadeja on 46, and Yashasvi Jaiswal fumbled a simple chance at gully when Brook was on 80.
Brook’s innings was characterized by its audacious, free-flowing nature. He confidently attacked Mohammed Siraj, even after the bowler tried to provoke him verbally, smashing a towering six over his head into the lower tier of the Football Stand. He also executed an outrageous falling paddle-sweep off Jadeja, reminiscent of Rishabh Pant’s earlier shot. However, like Jamie Smith before him, Brook eventually fell victim to Prasidh Krishna’s short-ball strategy, top-edging a pull shot straight to Shardul Thakur at long-leg. Smith’s brisk 40 had ended earlier when he hooked Prasidh to deep backward square leg, where Jadeja and B Sai Sudharsan combined for a relay catch.
The partnership between Chris Woakes and Brydon Carse further frustrated India, as they added a quickfire 55 runs for the eighth wicket in just 7.2 overs, capitalising on India’s growing fatigue. Woakes, who reached 2,000 Test runs during his innings, clubbed Prasidh for consecutive sixes. However, Siraj outsmarted Carse with a yorker, and Bumrah swiftly cleaned up both Woakes and Josh Tongue to complete his third five-wicket haul on English soil.
With England trailing by only six runs, the match is now poised for a thrilling one-innings shoot-out.
What are your thoughts on India’s strategy for the upcoming innings, given the narrow lead?
