England vs India First Test: Day Three Highlights from Headingley

On June 20, 2025, England faced off against India in the third day of the first Test match held at Headingley, Leeds. As the match progressed, England resumed their innings at 209 for 3, trailing by 262 runs with seven wickets remaining. Ollie Pope, who started the day unbeaten on 100, was pivotal for the home team as they sought to close the gap against India's formidable score of 471 all out.

The match began with England winning the toss and opting to field first. India's first innings saw a remarkable performance, with standout contributions from Yashasvi Jaiswal, who scored 101 runs, and Rishabh Pant, who followed closely with 134 runs. Their efforts helped India to a commanding total of 471, showcasing a well-rounded batting lineup and solidifying their position in the Test.

As the day unfolded, England's bowlers, led by Josh Tongue, managed to claim four wickets, with Tongue achieving figures of 4 for 86. This promising performance gave England hope as they began their response. However, the Indian bowlers, particularly Jasprit Bumrah, who took three crucial wickets, posed a significant challenge, causing fluctuations in England's batting stability.

Ollie Pope's century came at a critical moment, demonstrating resilience under pressure. His efforts were lauded by former England captain Sir Alastair Cook, who highlighted Pope's ability to anchor the innings amidst a challenging bowling attack. The match also saw a weather forecast that hinted at potential rain, adding an element of uncertainty to the proceedings.

As the day drew to a close, England's position remained precarious, with a significant deficit to overcome and only a few days left in the Test match. The match's outcome would not only have implications for the series but also for the psychological edge in the ongoing cricket rivalry between these two cricketing nations. The performance of key players like Pope and Bumrah will be pivotal in determining the direction of this first Test.