1st Test Day 3 Highlights Bumrah Five Wicket Haul
1. Jasprit Bumrah Rises Amidst Chaos With a Fiery Five-Wicket Haul
On a day dominated by missed opportunities and lacklustre bowling, Jasprit Bumrah emerged as India’s lone warrior. The right-arm speedster delivered a spectacular spell, bagging 5 wickets for 83 runs in 24.4 overs — his 14th five-wicket haul in Test cricket. Despite minimal support from the rest of the pace attack, Bumrah’s consistent line, reverse swing, and clever variations kept India in the contest.
He removed key English batters and eventually wrapped up the innings by cleaning up Josh Tongue. Bumrah’s impact was so significant that India ended up with a slender 6-run first-innings lead, a margin that could have been far wider with better fielding support.
2. KL Rahul Anchors India’s Second Innings With a Composed 47*
As India began their second innings with a narrow lead, KL Rahul stood tall amidst challenging overcast conditions. The stylish right-hander remained unbeaten on 47 off 75 balls at stumps, striking seven elegant boundaries, most of which were crisp cover drives off the fast bowlers.
Rahul’s experience came in handy, especially after early blows at the top. His calm demeanour and ability to judge the moving ball made him the standout batter of the evening session.
3. Early Wickets Dent India’s Start; Jaiswal and Sudharsan Fall Cheaply
India’s second innings began on a shaky note. Yashasvi Jaiswal, who failed to leave a mark in the first innings, edged Brydon Carse behind the stumps for just 4 runs. Debutant Sai Sudharsan showed promise again with a fluent 30 off 48 balls but perished to Ben Stokes for the second time in the match, this time via a flick straight to Zak Crawley at mid-wicket.
These early wickets put pressure on the Indian middle order, but KL Rahul and captain Shubman Gill (6* off 10) ensured there was no further damage by the time rain stopped play.
4. Harry Brook’s Heartbreak at 99 Steals Afternoon Drama
One of the major talking points of the day was Harry Brook falling one short of a well-deserved century. After surviving multiple lifelines — including being bowled on a Bumrah no-ball and dropped twice — Brook finally perished on 99 to a short ball from Prasidh Krishna. His aggressive 112-ball knock featured 15 boundaries and a six, showcasing his fearless approach.
Brook’s innings epitomized England’s attacking philosophy, but falling short of a century after so much luck would have hurt the talented right-hander.
5. Indian Fielding Continues to Be a Concern With Five Drops
India’s sloppiness in the field cost them dearly. They dropped as many as five catches on Day 3, three of them proving particularly costly during Harry Brook’s stay. Rishabh Pant dropped him on 46 and Jaiswal shelled another chance at 82. The fielding lapses allowed England to recover from precarious situations and pile on runs.
India’s inability to support their bowlers in the field remains a recurring issue and could become a decisive factor if not corrected quickly.
6. Prasidh Krishna’s Mixed Bag: Wickets and Runs Galore
Prasidh Krishna had a bittersweet day. He managed to dismiss Jamie Smith (40) and Harry Brook, both with short deliveries. However, he also conceded 128 runs in just 20 overs, often appearing predictable and one-dimensional in his approach. His overuse of short-pitched bowling became easy pickings for the aggressive English batters.
Krishna will need to refine his length and variation to succeed at the Test level, especially outside the subcontinent.
7. Shardul Thakur Underused Again: Selection Questions Loom
Bowling all-rounder Shardul Thakur bowled only a few overs once again, raising eyebrows about his inclusion in the playing XI. With the ball not swinging much and Indian pacers struggling, Thakur’s medium-pace variations could have been more effective if used properly. His limited bowling involvement hints at tactical indecision from the Indian camp.
8. Captaincy Concerns: Shubman Gill’s Decisions Under Scrutiny
Shubman Gill’s captaincy is under the microscope after questionable decisions on Day 3. Delaying Bumrah’s second spell in the afternoon and introducing Jadeja too late into the attack backfired. Moreover, his insistence on using a visibly worn-out Dukes ball in the middle session drew vocal complaints from Indian players.
Gill’s inexperience is understandable, but his tactical errors could cost India dearly if not rectified in future sessions.
9. England Score Rapidly But Fall Short By 6 Runs
England resumed Day 3 at 209/3 and went on to post 465, scoring at a brisk rate of over 4.5 runs per over. Brook, Pope (106), Smith, and Woakes (38) contributed crucial runs as the hosts added 138 runs in 23.4 overs in the afternoon session alone. However, their aggressive strategy also led to frequent dismissals, preventing them from building a bigger lead.
India’s thin lead of 6 runs may seem minor but is a crucial psychological advantage in a tightly contested Test.
10. Rain Halts Play: India Ahead by 96 Runs at Stumps
Rain arrived in Leeds just as India reached 90/2 in their second innings, extending their overall lead to 96 runs. With two days of play left, the match is finely balanced. India will look to build a substantial lead and give their bowlers enough time to bowl England out again.
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Conclusion: Bumrah Stars, But India Need a Strong Day 4
Day 3 belonged to Jasprit Bumrah, who single-handedly kept India in the game. However, the team’s poor fielding, lack of support from other bowlers, and shaky captaincy kept England very much in the hunt. With KL Rahul looking solid and rain around, Day 4 will be crucial for India’s chances of taking a 1–0 lead in the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy.
