Bumrah's Five-Wicket Haul Secures Narrow Lead for India Against England

India Takes a Slim Lead After Bowling Out England

Harry Brook's innings came to an unfortunate end at 99, just as Jasprit Bumrah achieved a well-deserved five-wicket haul, helping India secure a narrow six-run lead in the first innings. England was bowled out for 465 during an extended afternoon session on the third day of the first Test on Sunday.

Before Bumrah dismissed Josh Tongue to conclude England's innings, Chris Woakes (38 runs off 55 balls) capitalized on a predictable Indian pace attack, bringing his team close to India's total of 471. The tailenders of England nearly matched India's first innings score, setting the stage for a gripping third and fourth innings.

The hosts continued to find boundaries effortlessly, amassing 138 runs in just 23.4 overs while losing five wickets in the afternoon session.

Prasidh Krishna took out Jamie Smith (40 runs off 52 balls) and Brook (99 runs off 112 balls) with short deliveries, although he also conceded too many runs, allowing 128 runs in 20 overs.

Bowling all-rounder Shardul Thakur was again underutilized, raising questions about his selection. Bumrah, the standout bowler for India, recorded his 14th five-wicket haul in Test cricket, finishing with figures of 5/83 in 24.4 overs.

India's fielding has been a significant weakness in this match, with Brook receiving two lifelines, including a drop by Yashasvi Jaiswal off Bumrah when he was on 82.

Despite these chances, Brook could not convert them into a century and was dismissed for 99 in the 88th over. India had taken the new ball after 80 overs but failed to capitalize on it.

Towards the end of the session, Woakes, who has a Test century against India from 2018, hit two successive short balls from Krishna, one for a clean hit over mid-wicket and the other a guide to the third man.

Captain Shubman Gill made some questionable decisions, such as introducing Ravindra Jadeja late in the session and bringing Bumrah back for a final burst.

Earlier, Brook aggressively attacked an inconsistent Indian pace attack, leading England to 327 for five at lunch.

Starting the day at 209 for three, Brook ensured a brisk scoring rate, accumulating 118 runs in 28 overs.

The visitors managed to take two crucial wickets, dismissing overnight centurion Ollie Pope (106 runs off 137 balls) and England captain Ben Stokes (20 runs off 52 balls).

As on day two, the other Indian pacers struggled to match Bumrah's accuracy.

Brook, who was nearly dismissed off a Bumrah no-ball at the end of day two, was dropped by wicket-keeper Rishabh Pant on 46 just before lunch. Jadeja, who extracted sharp turn from the rough, had one delivery turn sharply, but Pant could not hold onto the rising ball.

In the same over, Brook reached his 12th Test fifty, adding to the Indians' frustration over their catching errors. Under the leadership of Shubman Gill, the Indian team was vocal about their concerns regarding a worn Dukes ball throughout the session.

The umpires eventually agreed to replace the ball before the 75th over, with the new ball due after 80 overs.

The session was dominated by the highly-rated Brook, who showcased audacious stroke play from the outset.

Krishna bowled two loose deliveries in the first over of the day, which Brook capitalized on with a four through point and a six over mid-wicket.

Brook's approach against the pacers, including Bumrah, was notable as he charged down the pitch for aerial drives over extra cover.

Krishna was fortunate to get Pope out in his next over, as the England number three edged a short and wide ball to the keeper.

India's second breakthrough came after the first hour when Siraj had Stokes caught behind from around the wicket.