The opening Test between India and England at Headingley, Leeds, remains finely balanced after a rain-affected Day 3, which ended with India leading by 96 runs in their second innings. At stumps, India were 90/2, with KL Rahul unbeaten on 47 and captain Shubman Gill on 6.
Earlier in the match, India posted a commanding first-innings total of 471, powered by brilliant centuries from Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, and Rishabh Pant. England responded strongly with 465, thanks to Ollie Pope’s outstanding century and Harry Brook’s gritty 99.
Jasprit Bumrah starred with the ball for India, claiming a five-wicket haul (5/83), while Prasidh Krishna and Mohammad Siraj chipped in with three and two wickets respectively.
In their second innings, India got off to a cautious start. Yashasvi Jaiswal was dismissed early for 4 by Brydon Carse, but a steady 66-run partnership between KL Rahul and debutant Sai Sudharsan brought stability. The stand was broken by Ben Stokes, who removed Sudharsan for 30.
With rain curtailing play late in the day, India finished with a narrow edge. Looking ahead to Day 4, the visitors will aim to extend their lead past 300 runs to gain control of the match. However, the game remains delicately poised, with every session critical to the final outcome in this tightly contested five-match series opener.
