Harry Brook Falls Just Short of Century in First Test Against India

Brook's Near Miss on Day 3 of the Test

On Day 3 of the first Test in the five-match series against India, England's middle-order batsman Harry Brook narrowly missed his ninth Test century at Headingley, Leeds, on June 22.

Brook, often associated with the aggressive 'Bazball' style introduced by captain Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum, showcased his skills by taking advantage of Team India's mistakes, including a no-ball from Jasprit Bumrah when he was yet to score and several dropped catches, leading to a significant innings that raised England's spirits.

Brook's Performance and Partnerships

Entering the game after Joe Root's dismissal, Brook was not out at zero at the end of Day 2. On Day 3, he quickly found his rhythm, balancing caution with aggression, and formed vital partnerships with Jamie Smith and Chris Woakes.

Brook's innings included a 73-run partnership with Smith, who scored 40, and a 39-run stand with Woakes, helping to chip away at India's first-innings total of 471.

A Disappointing End to a Promising Innings

Brook's innings was marked by a missed opportunity when Yashasvi Jaiswal dropped a catch off Bumrah's bowling while Brook was on 85. He reached 99 runs in the 88th over but fell short of his century when he misplayed a delivery from Prasidh Krishna, resulting in a catch to Shardul Thakur.

This dismissal made Brook the first player in three years to be out on 99 in Tests, following Australia's Travis Head in 2022. He also became the second English player to be dismissed on 99 against India, joining Marcus Trescothick.

England's Struggle to Surpass India's Total

Following Brook's dismissal at 398/7, Chris Woakes continued batting alongside Brydon Carse. Woakes adopted an aggressive strategy against Prasidh Krishna and Mohammed Siraj.

The duo managed a 55-run partnership for the eighth wicket until Carse was dismissed for 22. Woakes was later out for 38, leaving Shoaib Bashir and Josh Tongue to attempt to surpass India's first-innings score. However, England's efforts fell short as Bumrah bowled out Tongue, concluding their innings at 465, leaving India with a six-run lead heading into their second innings.