In the first Test match between India and England at Leeds, India experienced an unexpected setback despite starting strong with remarkable centuries from Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, and Rishabh Pant. Originally poised for a score exceeding 500 runs, India saw a striking collapse, losing their last seven wickets for just 41 runs, ultimately being all out for 471.
At the Stumps, England reached 209/3 in reply, presenting a challenging position for India. Several missed catches by India’s fielders raised eyebrows—most notably, Yashasvi Jaiswal’s missed chances on Ben Duckett and Ollie Pope, who later scored a century. Renowned cricketer Sunil Gavaskar expressed his disappointment over these dropped catches, emphasizing the importance of fielding in maintaining pressure on an opponent.
Ollie Pope emerged as a key player for England, scoring a polished 100 unbeaten runs, supported by Ben Duckett, who contributed 62 runs. Although the innings had a delayed start due to rain, the partnership between Pope and Duckett helped steady England’s batting after an earlier scare from India’s Jasprit Bumrah.
Bumrah’s delivery was impressive, managing to trouble England at various points, but he faced frustration with a couple of near-misses, including a wicket that was called back due to a no-ball. Despite India’s bowling performance being largely reliant on Bumrah, they need to regroup and tackle day three with renewed focus to regain control of the match.
With both teams showing moments of brilliance, the match promises to be a compelling contest as it enters its next phase.