Leeds: James Anderson (3/6) and Craig Overton (3/14) led England’s dominant bowling display as they bamboozled India for just 78 on the first day of the third Test at Headingley on Wednesday. In reply, both English openers Haseeb Hameed (52 not out) and Rory Burns (60 not out) helped the hosts end the day at 120 without loss and take a crucial 42-run lead.
It was Anderson who rocked the Indian top-order in an early morning spell after the visitors opted to bat first. England despite the absence Mark Wood made the most of what they have and the veteran Lancashire man led the charge packing the top three cheaply and was efficiently followed up by his colleagues Overton, Ollie Robinson (2/16) and Sam Curran (2/27).
Tea in Leeds ☕️
A dominant session for the hosts. #WTC23 | #ENGvIND | https://t.co/AZCdNvbRbc pic.twitter.com/thxJQlB7Iq
— ICC (@ICC) August 25, 2021
India never really recovered from the early setbacks as their batting order lasted for just 40.4 over collapsing horribly. Rohit Sharma (19) and Ajinkya Rahane (18) were the only players who registered double-digits with Virat Kohli still not being able to evacuate from his dry patch falling to Anderson for just seven. This is also India’s lowest score on a first day in the past 34 years.
In reply, the revamped English opening duo of Hameed and Burns showcased their ability to be the best after being promoted. Hameed, the youngster who incidentally made his Test debut against India, grabbed his opportunity with both hands hitting his third fifty in the longest format from just 110 balls.
Burns too brought his fifty as both went unbeaten in the dressing setting up a good base for a possible mammoth first-innings lead. Indian bowlers will have a huge task on their hands on the second day if they want to deny England’s intentions.
Brief scores: India 78 all out (Rohit Sharma 19, Ajinkya Rahane 18; James Anderson 3/6, Craig Overton 3/14) vs England 120/0 (Haseeb Hameed 60*, Rory Burns 52*). Match to continue.
