First Hour And 54 Minutes Belonged To India, But The Final Moments To England
After a strong start, India suffered a collapse just before lunch
Leeds: Yashasvi Jaiswal (42* off 74 balls, eight fours) and fellow opener KL Rahul (42 runs off 78 balls, eight fours) gave India a very solid start with a 91-run partnership against England in the first Test. However, in the final moments of the pre-lunch session, India lost two quick wickets, bringing the session to an even balance between the two teams.
By the time play was stopped for lunch, India had scored 92 runs for the loss of two wickets in 25.4 overs. On 91, right-arm fast bowler Brydon Carse got KL Rahul caught by Joe Root at first slip. After his dismissal, debutant Sai Sudharsan came in at one-down and managed to survive just three balls before falling on the fourth — caught behind by keeper Jamie Smith off captain Ben Stokes. Sudharsan, confused by Stokes’ swing, edged one to the right, where Smith dived and took a fine catch.
Following Sudharsan’s early departure, captain Shubman Gill came in to bat at number four.
Ben Stokes had won the toss and opted to field. Looking at how the Indian openers negotiated almost 25 overs comfortably, Stokes’ decision seemed questionable. But India’s quick loss of two wickets shifted the momentum, putting the visitors in a tricky situation.
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