On , the third day of the first Test in the Tendulkar‑Anderson TrophyHeadingley Cricket Ground in Leeds turned into a nail‑biter when Jasprit Bumrah, fast bowler for Board of Control for Cricket in India rattled the English line‑up, finishing with figures of 5 for 70 and handing India a razor‑thin first‑innings lead of six runs.
Background: The Tendulkar‑Anderson Trophy
The series, named after Indian batting great Sachin Tendulkar and England’s pace ace James Anderson, pits the Board of Control for Cricket in India against the England and Wales Cricket Board. Both boards see the five‑Test contest as a decisive leg of the 2025‑2027 ICC World Test Championship, meaning every run and wicket can shift the points ladder.
Day 3 Drama: Bumrah’s Spell and England’s Collapse
England entered the morning session at 209‑3, still 262 runs behind India’s massive 471. Ollie Pope was unbeaten on a century, while Harry Brook clung on at the crease. The partnership nudged England to 464‑9, but a decisive moment came when Josh Tongue tried to accelerate off Ravindra Jadeja’s bowling, stealing four runs and narrowing the deficit to just seven.
On the very next ball, Bumrah unleashed a yorker that caught Tongue in front of the stumps – the fifth wicket of his spell. The dismissal sealed England’s total at 465 in 100.4 overs, leaving India with a six‑run first‑innings lead – the smallest margin they have held after a Test start since 2018.
Rain loomed over the final session. Around 3:30 pm BST, AccuWeather warned of an 80 % chance of showers. Ground staff covered the pitch at 3:45 pm as a precaution, but the innings had already wrapped, so play resumed on Day 4 without a major interruption.
Reactions from Players and Officials
“Bumrah’s spell was a game‑changer,” said KL Rahul, who will open the second innings for India. “Six runs don’t look much, but it puts pressure on England to chase a target in tricky conditions.”
England’s captain, Joe Root, remained defiant: “We’ve been in tight spots before. The pitch is still good for batting, and we’ll look to press our advantage tomorrow.”
The ECB’s chief operating officer, Heather Knight, noted the weather impact: “We’re monitoring the forecast closely. If rain does intervene, the teams will have to adapt their strategies quickly.”
What the Six‑Run Lead Means for the Series
- Statistically, a lead under ten runs after the first innings is one of the narrowest in Test history for India, increasing the likelihood of a result rather than a draw.
- The points table for the World Test Championship now shows India edging England by a single bonus point, which could prove decisive in the final standings.
- Psychologically, Bumrah’s performance reinforces India’s reputation for lethal death‑over bowling, putting England’s lower order under a microscope.
Looking Ahead: Day 4 and Beyond
India’s second innings began at 11:00 am BST on . Openers KL Rahul and Cheteshwar Pujara set out to build a partnership that could push the lead beyond 150 runs.
The rain threat remained, but the covers were removed by 5:00 pm after a brief drizzle. By the end of Day 4, both Rahul and Rishabh Pant had reached centuries, giving India a commanding position and setting up a potential series‑deciding finish at the Oval later in July.
Key Facts
- Date of match:
- Venue: Headingley Cricket Ground, Leeds
- India first‑innings total: 471 runs
- England first‑innings total: 465 runs
- Man of the day: Jasprit Bumrah (5/70)
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the six‑run lead affect India's chances in the World Test Championship?
A first‑innings lead, even by six runs, means India earned a bonus point in the Championship. Combined with the four points for a win, they are now one point ahead of England, making every remaining session crucial for sealing the series and the points.
What role did weather play in the Headingley Test?
AccuWeather predicted an 80 % chance of showers in the late afternoon. Groundsmen covered the pitch at 3:45 pm, but the innings had already finished. A brief drizzle later caused a short interruption on Day 4, but overall the weather did not significantly alter the match’s momentum.
Who were the standout performers for England despite the loss?
Ollie Pope’s unbeaten century anchored England’s first innings, while Josh Tongue’s late surge added vital runs. Their efforts kept the total within striking distance, and the lower order showed resilience under pressure.
What are the expectations for Day 4 of the Test?
India aims to extend its lead beyond 150 runs with contributions from KL Rahul and Cheteshwar Pujara. England will need to bowl sharply and maybe rely on the morning’s moisture to make the ball swing, hoping to force a reversal before any rain returns.
Why is the Tendulkar‑Anderson Trophy significant for both sides?
Beyond the prestige of the namesake legends, the series counts toward the ICC World Test Championship. A win for either side not only adds to national pride but also shifts the global rankings, influencing seedings for the next championship cycle.