The third Test of the five-match series between India and England at Headingley started on a good note as the rain gods stayed away from the ground. However, it was not a good one for the visitors as they were bundled out for a mere 78 runs in the first innings before England secured a crucial 48 runs lead at the end of day 1.
Opting to bat first, India succumbed to England’s brilliant display of bowling. James Anderson wrecked havoc with the new ball removing KL Rahul, Cheteshwar Pujara and Virat Kohli early to have India at 20/3. Rohit Sharma and Ajinkya Rahane tried to bail India but once they were out, the visitors were all out for 78 runs.
A tough day at the office for #TeamIndia 🇮🇳 as England 🏴 lead by 4️⃣2️⃣ runs at Stumps on Day 1️⃣.
Join us tomorrow for all the action from Day 2️⃣. #ENGvIND
Scorecard 👉 https://t.co/FChN8SDsxh pic.twitter.com/GnGOb7Iycg
— BCCI (@BCCI) August 25, 2021
In reply, Rory Burns and Haseem Hameed produced England’s best opening partnership for quite some time to give their side a sizeable lead of 48 runs at the end of day 1 with all their wicket intact.
How will the weather be on August 26 (Thursday) at Headingley?
According to weather forecast, the rain gods will once again stay away on Day 2 of the 3rd Test at Headingley. However, there will be a lot of dark clouds hovering in the sky in Leeds on 26 August but there will be no major interruptions due to the weather.
The opening session will certainly provide helpful conditions on offer for the fast bowlers and things will be challenging for the batters especially in the first hour.
“Cannot keep thinking too much about toss” – Rishabh Pant
Wicket-keeper batsman Rishabh Pant has defended Virat Kohli’s decision to bat first after winning the toss for the first time in England at Headingley.
Addressing a virtual press conference, Pant said:
“Whatever decision we take, we take as a team. So once we have decided we are going to bat first, we are going to back our decision. Yes we could have applied much better but we can’t keep on thinking too much about the toss.