India’s first Test against England at Headingley is turning into an instant classic — packed with big runs, sharp banter, and Jasprit Bumrah’s record-breaking brilliance under cloudy skies. Day 2 saw India finish their imposing first innings at 471, anchored by Rishabh Pant’s sparkling seventh Test century. But the momentum wobbled when the visitors lost their last seven wickets for just 41 runs. England, however, responded strongly, reaching 209/3 at stumps, with Ollie Pope steadying the innings with a classy hundred and Ben Duckett chipping in with a fighting 62. While the runs kept coming, the stump mic served up a bonus treat for fans: Pant, after a dramatic diving stop to save leg byes, quipped: “Mei bhi khel raha hu bhai! Apne chauke ke chakkar mei, mera chauka mat de dena.” (“I’m also playing, brother! Don’t give away my four while trying to save yours.”) 👉 Captain Shubman Gill was fired up too, pumping up Jadeja from mid-off: “Abhi ye pura confused hai Jaddu bhai! Kaunsi seedhi hai, kaunsi udhar ayega uska!” (“Right now he’s totally confused, Jaddu brother! He can’t figure out which one will go straight and which one will turn.”) The drama continued on Day 3 as England pushed on to 465, closing the first innings just six runs behind India despite some sloppy Indian fielding as four catches were dropped off Bumrah alone. Still, India’s ace pacer turned up the heat, bagging a brilliant 5/83, his 14th Test five-for, equalling Kapil Dev’s record for most five-wicket hauls by an Indian in away Tests. He also became the bowler with the most five-wicket hauls in WTC history (11).Quiz: Who’s that IPL player? With the ball swinging under overcast skies, India’s second innings had its own jitters. KL Rahul’s classy unbeaten 47 steadied the ship before bad light ended play early, with India at 90/2, leading by 96 runs. Skipper Gill, who scored a century in his debut Test as captain, remains not out, ready to guide India into a crucial Day 4. The Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy opener remains wide open with weather, swing and two aggressive batting line-ups promising more twists before this Headingley drama wraps up.
