India Secures Key Wicket Against England in Test Match at Headingley

India's Breakthrough on Day 3

Following the Lunch break on Day 3 of the first Test against England at Headingley, Leeds, India made a significant breakthrough as Jamie Smith was dismissed for 40 runs, thanks to some clever boundary work.

Prasidh Krishna was brought into the bowling attack with a strategy focused on short balls and fielders positioned near the boundary. He delivered a short ball outside off, which Smith attempted to pull but mis-timed, sending the ball to deep square leg where Ravindra Jadeja was stationed.

Jadeja skillfully judged the catch but realized he was too close to the boundary, risking going over. Demonstrating quick thinking, he passed the ball to Sai Sudharsan, who sprinted in from nearby to complete the catch. This dismissal came just three balls before the new ball was to be introduced, marking a successful execution of India's short-ball strategy.

Watch here:

Image Source: X.com

In the earlier stages of the match, India had posted a formidable total of 471 runs in their first innings, highlighted by centuries from Yashasvi Jaiswal (101 off 159 balls), Shubman Gill (147 off 227 balls), and Rishabh Pant (134 off 178 balls). England faced challenges in their response, with Ben Stokes and Josh Tongue each taking four wickets to restrict the visitors.

England began their innings cautiously, losing Zak Crawley early to Jasprit Bumrah. However, Ben Duckett and Ollie Pope steadied the innings with a solid 122-run partnership for the second wicket. Duckett was dismissed by Bumrah for 62 runs, while Pope managed to score a commendable 106. Before the Lunch break on Day 3, Harry Brook notched his 12th Test half-century in just 26 innings, continuing his impressive form.