Thrilling fight at Headingley; India takes six-run first innings lead

HEADINGLEY: India secured a slender first-innings lead in the opening Test against England at Headingley, with the hosts falling just short of India’s total. Replying to India’s 471, England were bowled out for 465, leaving India ahead by six runs at tea on Day 3.

England resumed their innings on Sunday at 209 for 3, but the early loss of centurion Ollie Pope for 106—caught by Rishabh Pant off Prasidh Krishna—halted their momentum.

Harry Brook came agonizingly close to a century but was dismissed for 99. The dismissals of skipper Ben Stokes (20) and wicketkeeper Jamie Smith (40) reduced England to 349 for 6. Brook then found a steady partner in Chris Woakes (38), and the duo pushed the total to 398 before Prasidh struck again to remove Brook.

A promising stand between Woakes and Brydon Carse (22) briefly threatened India’s narrow advantage, but Siraj broke through by clean-bowling Carse at 453.

Jasprit Bumrah then polished off the tail, removing Woakes and Josh Tongue (11) in quick succession. Shoaib Bashir remained unbeaten on 1. Bumrah starred with the ball, claiming a five-wicket haul, while Prasidh Krishna took three wickets and Mohammed Siraj added two to his tally.