After an inspiring victory at Lord’s, the caravan shifts to Leeds where India will lock horns with hosts England in the third Tests, starting August 25 (Wednesday). But when was the last time India played a Test at Leeds? What was the result?
India last played at Headingley was during the 2002 tour of England. It was the third Test of the four-match series with England leading 1-0. The Asian Giants needed to win this match to stay alive in the series.
Opting to bat first by skipper Sourav Ganguly, India posted a mammoth target of 628 runs before declaring the innings. Rahul Dravid (148), Sachin Tendulkar (193), and Ganguly (128) used the conditions on offer, to demolish England’s bowling.
#IndvsEng, 2002 Leeds
3rs Test, 22nd-26th August 2002
This is the only time when Rahul Dravid, Sachin Tendulkar and Sourav Ganguly scored a century in the same innings. 628/8 decl was the then highest total for India in England.(Previous highest- 606/9d at Oval in August 1990) pic.twitter.com/chyJTVDFFC
— Bhagyesh Joshi 🏏🇮🇳 (@Cric_bhagya82) August 22, 2020
In reply, England were bundled out for just 273 runs courtesy a brilliant bowling display from Indian bowlers. The hosts went on to bat again after Indian skipper Sourav Ganguly enforced a follow-on. Things did not change much this time either as the home team got all-out for 309 runs and lost the match by an innings and 46 runs.
Meanwhile, India have a good record at Leeds, with their last defeat coming way back in 1967.
India raring to go 2-0 up in Leeds
— BCCI (@BCCI) August 22, 2021
Oozing with confidence, Virat Kohli & Co will look to extend their lead and take an unassailable lead in the five-match series. Ahead of the game, they have received Shardul Thakur, who missed the last match with an injury.
However, Kohli is unlikely to tinker with his set template and play the same playing XI in the 3rd Test in Leeds.
