India made a critical breakthrough immediately after lunch on Day 3 of the first Test against England at Headingley, Leeds, when Jamie Smith was bowled for 40 runs following some smart work around the boundary.
With fielders positioned on the boundary and a short-ball strategy in place, Prasidh Krishna was brought into the attack. Smith tried to draw a short ball he delivered outside off. However, his shot was mistimed, and it went to deep square leg, where Ravindra Jadeja was positioned.
Jadeja made an excellent catch and caught the ball, but he realized he was too near the boundary rope and that his momentum would carry him over. By passing the ball to Sai Sudharsan, who had rushed in from close by, he demonstrated exceptional awareness. Smith was dismissed three deliveries before the new ball was due, and Sudharsan finished the catch. India got a much-needed wicket as a result of their successful short ball tactic.
Prasidh to Jamie Smith mistimed it, Jadeja grabs it and fires it straight to Sudharsan! Gone!! #INDvsENG pic.twitter.com/UsG8eIdn3T
— TheDoosraGuy (@manwithviews07) June 22, 2025England’s response got off to a rough start as Jasprit Bumrah dismissed Zak Crawley early. But with a strong 122-run partnership for the second wicket, Ben Duckett and Ollie Pope kept the innings steady. Pope went on to hit a superb 106, but Bumrah eventually dismissed Duckett for 62. Harry Brook continued his outstanding form on Day 3, scoring his 12th Test half-century in just 26 innings just before lunch.
