Indian fast bowler Prasidh Krishna faced a challenging outing in the first Test against England at Leeds, registering the most expensive economy rate for an Indian bowler who has bowled at least 20 overs in a single spell. Prasidh took three important wickets, removing Ollie Pope, Harry Brook, and Jamie Smith, but leaked runs heavily throughout his spell. His figures of 3 for 128 came at an economy rate of 6.40 runs per over, surpassing the previous record held by Varun Aaron, who went for 5.91 per over in Adelaide in 2014. England’s batters attacked Prasidh relentlessly, forcing him to struggle with his lengths and consistency, although his breakthroughs did help India stay in the contest. This performance is likely to spark conversations about India’s pace bowling options and their bench strength in testing overseas conditions.
Despite Prasidh’s expensive spell, India stayed competitive thanks largely to Jasprit Bumrah’s outstanding five-wicket haul that kept the hosts from taking a big first innings lead. England posted 465 in reply to India’s total of 471.Quiz: Who’s that IPL player?At the end of a rain-affected Day 3, India held a slender advantage with a lead of 96 runs. The visitors finished at 90 for 2 with KL Rahul unbeaten on 47 and captain Shubman Gill at the crease on six. With the match finely balanced, both teams will look to seize the initiative as the Test heads into its final stages at Headingley.
