Jasprit Bumrah lived up to his billing as the world’s most lethal bowler, delivering a match-turning spell that pulled India back into contention in the first Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy at Headingley.
His five-wicket haul (5/83) restricted England to 465, giving India a slender six-run first-innings lead, before KL Rahul’s assured 47* helped stretch the advantage to 96 by stumps.
He is the best bowler in the world right now, said injured England pacer Mark Wood while commentating for BBC Test Match Special earlier in the day. "He can change the game."
Change it Bumrah did, with searing pace and control on a flat pitch.
This is a high-scoring ground, so you have to be really accurate. If you're a little wayward, it's a boundary. But if you're clear in your plans, there's always a chance.
He was ably supported by Prasidh Krishna (3/128) and Mohammed Siraj (2/122), who improved on their first-day efforts. But India’s fielding left much to be desired, with four catches dropped off Bumrah’s bowling alone. Despite that, Bumrah reached a landmark — his 12th five-wicket haul in away Tests, equalling the great Kapil Dev.
Everybody’s expectation is not my problem. If I start thinking about what people want from me, I’ll lose focus. I just try to do what the team needs.
India’s second innings got off to a shaky start with Yashasvi Jaiswal falling for 4, but Rahul held firm with a fluent 47* (7x4), adding 52 for the second wicket with B. Sai Sudharsan (30). The latter once again fell to Ben Stokes (1/18), while Shubman Gill (6\*) remained unbeaten when rain ended play early.
Yes, we’d like to post a big total. The wicket is still good for batting. No demons. The new ball does a bit, but nothing out of the ordinary. We want a cushion.
Earlier in the day, England’s Harry Brook missed a fairytale century at his home ground, falling for 99. He had several lives, dropped multiple times, but his aggressive strokeplay helped England close the gap on India’s 471.
Fate had decided 99 for him. But credit where it's due — he assessed the conditions well, played his shots, and made us think.
Brook’s knock, laced with lofted drives and cheeky ramps, was complemented by Ollie Pope’s earlier 106 and useful lower-order runs. Jamie Smith (40), Chris Woakes (38), and Brydon Carse (22) all chipped in as India’s bowlers struggled with consistency.
"It was an unbelievable knock," Pope said of Brook. "He read the situation really well. It helped us get within touching distance of India’s score."
Brook’s dismissal — a mistimed hook off Prasidh to deep square leg — left England at 398/7. The tail then added 67 more, frustrating India before Bumrah returned to wrap things up.
The game’s poised in a nice position. The pitch is still playing well, and the outfield is quick. Tomorrow morning’s session is key.
India will now look to extend their lead beyond 250 and press for a result, with Rahul, Gill, and Rishabh Pant set to play pivotal roles on Day 4.
Brief Scores: India: 471 & 90/2 in 23.5 overs (K.L. Rahul 47*; B. Carse 1-27, B. Stokes 1-18) England: 465 in 100.4 overs (O. Pope 106, H. Brook 99; J. Bumrah 5-83, P. Krishna 3-128); India lead by 96 runs.
