Michael Vaughan believes India’s indecision will cost them dearly, and they need a clear plan on how they want to approach the game if they hope to succeed.
Josh Tongue returns to bowl, finding a length which gets past leg stump, with the latest India Vs England 1st Test Live Score indicating a tense battle between both sides.
| Match | Venue | Result |
|---|---|---|
| India vs England – 1st Test | Headingley, Leeds | England won by 5 wickets |
Day 3
Harry Brook’s wicket was a big setback for England. Although he managed to avoid several catches including one off an outstretched arm from Prasidh Krishna, eventually the luck ran out when he pulled Prasidh Krishna straight down the throat of Shardul Thakur at long leg and fell victim to India’s attack. With Brook’s innings helping reduce England’s deficit to below 100 runs, India are now looking for opportunities to expose England’s tail end batsman.
Jasprit Bumrah knows this moment is his chance to strike a decisive blow, so he bowls short and uppish to Joe Root – not celebrating as it could help bring balance back into the match.
Bumrah has been giving away runs here. Although his line and length are good, his delivery does not have enough purchase on the pitch for Yashasvi Jaiswal to play him short outside off-stump for four.
England’s lower order is performing strongly, with Brydon Carse and Chris Woakes chipping away at India’s total with Bumrah and Siraj bowling performances keeping England within striking distance of victory despite India’s earlier batting collapse. Unfortunately rain loomed shortly thereafter and umpires called stumps early, forcing Headingley officials to call stumps early. Nasser Hussain reckons the match remains in England’s favor despite India’s early collapse; bowlers Bumrah and Siraj have kept them within touching distance; former captain Hussain believes this Test should have more success; however he believes they must improve fielding performances to give themselves more chances at victory if possible.
Over 1: Josh Tongue
Josh Tongue has proven that he is an exceptional finisher of Test matches. Pounceing on a short ball and steering it past third man for four, Josh Tongue took three boundaries off Jasprit Bumrah before appearing to succumb under pressure from having chased down an impressive target of 260 runs.
Drinks Break! It has been an incredible match! With endless twists and turns, momentum has shifted frequently; England have now established the upper hand with their new ball; however India could stage an upset comeback using spin bowling; surely this tussle to the death will go on to the very last ball!
Over 2: Shoaib Bashir
Day 3 at Headingley concludes as rain begins to increase. It’s an unfortunate turn of events given England’s impressive second innings batting performance and Jasprit Bumrah’s stellar bowling display; even Harry Brook’s dismissal for 99 gave India control at Stumps with his bowling.
Josh Tongue gets an excellent look at the ball but misses with an outside off swish, then miscues his pull shot to deep backward square leg for an error, leading to England’s No 10 missing his opportunity at scoring his maiden Test century on home soil.
Shoaib Bashir faces an uphill task against Rahul. But he gets off to an excellent start by bowling an accurate full delivery that nips in just past the stumps, followed by short delivery that Rahul swings hard against and gets his first four of the day.
Sai Sudharsan and KL Rahul have steadily built a partnership and now stand at 57/1 in the 13th over. That still represents a considerable deficit for India, so they will need to quickly pick up wickets in order to put pressure on England while simultaneously improving their fielding, which has been subpar so far today. With rain threatening, however, we will keep you updated with any developments from Headingley.
Over 3: Chris Woakes
Chris Woakes has earned himself an unwavering fan base among England cricket fans as an all-round cricketer capable of turning any Test match on its head in one single burst. Though lacking Mark Wood’s height and Ben Stokes’s freakish athleticism, Chris remains an outstanding all-round athlete that has shown early promise but now stands as an integral component of England’s team.
Yorkshireman James Root has been at the core of England’s revival this summer and his performance on Day 3 serves as yet more evidence that their World Cup 2022 win was no fluke. Born and raised in Great Barr, Birmingham – an avid football player as a teen before turning his attention towards cricket due to encouragement from his father and two older half-brothers – Root has proven himself an indispensable ally.
Woakes won back his place in the side following an unsuccessful tour to the Caribbean and has since played an essential role for England. An exceptional bowler and batsman, Woakes was part of the squad that lifted Lord’s Trophy this year and has proven one of their most reliable performers over time.
India’s fielding problems remain widespread as Jadeja once more threads a ball through keeper and slip, only for Rishabh Pant to miss it completely. Groans from Headingley crowd indicate disillusionment with team.
Over 4: Ben Stokes
After another frustrating day of dropped catches, missed reviews, and unrealized potential, England are in serious peril of losing this Test match. With just 16 runs needed in what should be a formal final session of play-back to win it all back for Joe Root’s hosts to salvage this Test, their chances appear increasingly tenuous.
Ben Duckett seems unfazed by it all. His first boundary came via a slashed cover drive against Prasidh Krishna before an inside edge took him down fine-leg for four. Ben hammered Shardul Thakur’s shortish delivery and started scoring runs immediately; that got him started!
KL Rahul hasn’t been as diligent, but has hit several straight drives to the covers from Shoaib Bashir’s slightly off-pace delivery, creating some problems for Rahul.
Rain has returned, forcing an early tea break at Headingley. That could be devastating news for England, but Michael Vaughan offers up an optimistic take on why they must show greater decisiveness if they wish to come out unscathed from this battle.
Over 5: KL Rahul
KL Rahul is in great form for India as they move closer to an innings win against England. He played an instrumental role in their recovery after India slumped to 341 at tea on Day 4, hitting 137 not out and Rishabh Pant scoring 118 as the hosts took control.
Rain eventually came and disrupted proceedings, with an umpire calling off play for the day and suggesting it will likely end in a draw. VVS Laxman predicted India would emerge victorious but Michael Vaughan thought their batting collapse on Day 4 and their poor fielding performance have given England hope of victory in this Test match.
England’s bowlers have struggled for consistency this summer. After being crushed in Chennai’s opening Test match, Joe Root’s stunning third-innings hundred has given England some much-needed hope in this Headingley Test match. If England are going to secure a series victory at Headingley they need more consistency across both bowling and fielding; and hopefully for that final day thriller to bring victory!
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