Harry Brook's innings in the first Test against India at Headingley has been a talking point, not just for his aggressive strokeplay, but also for the numerous chances he was afforded. The young England batter, resuming Day 3 on 0*, made the most of a no-ball from Jasprit Bumrah on Day 2 and multiple dropped catches to put the pressure back on the Indian bowlers.
Brook's luck began on the second day when he was caught off a Jasprit Bumrah no-ball. The drama unfolded in the final over of the day when Bumrah, searching for his fourth wicket, bowled a short delivery wide outside off. Brook attempted a pull, mistimed it horribly, and Mohammed Siraj sprinted in from short mid-wicket to complete a fantastic diving catch. India celebrated, ready to walk off with the momentum — until third umpire intervention revealed Bumrah had overstepped. It was his third no-ball of the over. Brook survived and Bumrah walked back frustrated.
On Day 3, Brook continued to ride his luck. He was dropped by Rishabh Pant off Ravindra Jadeja's bowling before lunch, a tough chance for the wicketkeeper to hold on to. Later, he was dropped again by Yashasvi Jaiswal at fourth slip off Bumrah's bowling, leaving the bowler with his head in his hands. A third clear catching chance was also put down.
Despite the reprieves, Brook displayed a fearless attitude, especially against Bumrah, who is currently ranked as one of the best Test bowlers in the world. Brook counter-attacked, hitting boundaries and putting pressure on the Indian bowlers. He went after all of India's bowlers successfully for his 20th fifty-plus test score in his 42nd inning. He had seven boundaries and, in the day's first over, slogged Krishna for six over deep midwicket. Then Brook came down the track at Bumrah to bash him through the covers.
Brook's aggressiveintent was evident as he raced to his half-century in just 65 balls. He continued to attack, hitting Mohammed Siraj for back-to-back fours. However, his innings came to an end when he was dismissed for 99, caught by Shardul Thakur at deep fine leg off Prasidh Krishna's bowling. Trying to reach his century in style, Brook mistimed a pull shot and was caught, becoming the first batter in three years to be dismissed on 99.
Brook's innings helped England reduce the deficit against India's first innings total. While he missed out on a century, his knock was crucial in shifting the momentum and frustrating the Indian bowlers.
