Day 3 of the first Test between England and India at Leeds saw both teams battle hard in a closely contested match. After a strong showing with the bat in the first innings, India managed to gain a narrow lead by the end of the day, thanks to solid performances with both bat and ball. However, rain interrupted play in the final session, bringing the day's action to an early close.
India had earlier posted a commanding total of 471 in their first innings. Yashasvi Jaiswal laid the foundation with a composed century, scoring 101 off 158 balls with 16 fours and a six. Captain Shubman Gill played a patient and classy knock of 147 runs from 227 deliveries, including 19 boundaries and a six. Vice-captain Rishabh Pant added flair with an aggressive 134 off 178 balls, smashing 12 fours and 6 sixes in a dominant middle-order effort. For England, skipper Ben Stokes led by example with the ball, taking 4 wickets for 66 runs in 20 overs. Josh Tongue also impressed with 4 wickets for 86 runs.
England replied strongly, putting up 465 runs in their first innings. Ben Duckett gave them a solid start with 62 runs, while Ollie Pope led the charge with a fluent 106 off 137 balls. Harry Brook came heartbreakingly close to a century, falling just one short on 99. Jasprit Bumrah was the standout bowler for India, claiming five wickets for 83 runs in a long 24.4-over spell. Prasidh Krishna chipped in with 3 wickets, though he proved expensive, conceding 128 runs in 20 overs.
With a small lead of six runs, India began their second innings under cloudy skies. By stumps, they reached 90 for 2 in 23.5 overs. KL Rahul remained unbeaten on 47 off 75 balls, anchoring the innings with 7 boundaries. Shubman Gill, once again at the crease, was not out on 6. England’s Brydon Carse and Ben Stokes took one wicket each before rain halted play.
As Day 3 ended, India led by 96 runs with 8 wickets in hand. The match remains evenly poised, with both teams eyeing crucial momentum heading into Day 4.
