The first session on Day 3 of the first Test between England and India at Headingley has concluded with England reaching 327/5 at lunch, trailing India by 144 runs. The morning session saw India strike twice, but Harry Brook's resilient half-century helped England maintain a crucial balance in the match.
England started the day at 209/3, with Ollie Pope and Harry Brook at the crease. The pair began positively, with Brook hitting a four and a six off Prasidh Krishna's first over. Pope then continued the momentum by dispatching a Jasprit Bumrah delivery for four. However, Krishna soon found Pope's edge with a wide delivery, Rishabh Pant completing his 150th catch behind the stumps to dismiss Pope for 106.
Brook continued his aggressive approach against the Indian pacers, while captain Ben Stokes focused on settling in at the other end. The pair added a valuable 50-run partnership in 78 balls, but Mohammed Siraj struck, removing Stokes for 20. Jamie Smith then joined Brook, surviving an early leg-before-wicket review.
Brook reached his half-century off 65 balls, including seven fours and a six, before Pant dropped a chance offered by Brook. At the end of the session, England were 327/5, with Brook unbeaten on 57 and Smith on 29.
Throughout the session, the Indian team, led by Shubman Gill, voiced concerns about the condition of the Dukes ball, eventually leading to a change of ball before the 75th over. India took the new ball.
Overall, the first session was evenly contested. England added 118 runs but lost two crucial wickets, while Brook's aggressive batting kept the scoreboard ticking. India will aim to capitalize on the new ball in the second session and make further inroads into the English batting lineup.