Leeds, June 23: KL Rahul held firm with a calm and unbeaten 47 as India reached 90 for 2 at stumps on Day 3 of the first Test against England at Headingley, ending the day with a slender lead of 96 runs in what is shaping up to be a thrilling contest.After bowling out England for 465 in the final session, India had a tricky period to negotiate with the bat. While opener Yashasvi Jaiswal fell early for just 4 to a rising delivery from Mark Wood, debutant Sai Sudharsan impressed with a fluent 30, sharing a valuable 66-run partnership with Rahul for the second wicket. Sudharsan looked composed but was undone by a sharp inswinger from England captain Ben Stokes, who broke the stand just as India were beginning to settle.
At close of play, Rahul remained unbeaten on 47 off 98 balls, showing solid technique and temperament. Captain Shubman Gill (6*) was at the other end, having survived a tense few overs under fading light.
Earlier in the day, England resumed their first innings at 312 for 5, looking to overhaul India’s imposing total of 471. While they fell just six runs short, their effort was powered by two outstanding innings—Harry Brook’s near-century (99) and Ollie Pope’s controlled 106. The duo frustrated Indian bowlers for much of the first two sessions, adding vital runs and narrowing the deficit.
However, the second new ball turned the tide. Jasprit Bumrah produced a sensational spell of fast bowling, removing Pope and Brook in quick succession. He ended with figures of 5 for 83, his second five-wicket haul in England. Bumrah’s effort was a masterclass in pace and control, hitting the right lengths consistently and troubling every batter.
Prasidh Krishna provided support with three wickets, though he leaked 128 runs. Ravindra Jadeja and Mohammed Siraj took one wicket apiece, with Jadeja keeping things tight on a pitch offering some turn.
With a lead of 96 runs and eight wickets in hand, India will look to bat deep on Day 4 to set England a challenging target on a pitch that’s beginning to show signs of wear. The visitors will hope Rahul can continue his measured knock and that the middle order, led by Gill, Rishabh Pant, and Ravindra Jadeja, can capitalise on the foundation laid.
With both teams still very much in the game, Day 4 promises to be a pivotal one in deciding the direction of this tightly contested Test match.