Daijiworld Media Network – Leeds

Leeds, Jun 22: What began as a dominant display quickly spiralled into frustration for India on Day 2 of the first Test against England in Leeds. After strong centuries from Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill and Rishabh Pant put India on course for a 500-plus total, the visitors dramatically collapsed, losing seven wickets for just 41 runs and folding for 471.

England responded strongly with the bat, reaching 209/3 at stumps, led by Ollie Pope’s unbeaten century. However, it was India’s sloppy fielding that stole the spotlight for all the wrong reasons. The team dropped multiple sitters that could have significantly changed the momentum.

Yashasvi Jaiswal, usually sharp in the field, dropped Ben Duckett twice—once in the fifth over and again in the seventh. Ravindra Jadeja missed another chance to dismiss Duckett at backward point. Ollie Pope, who anchored England’s innings with his ninth Test century, was also dropped by Jaiswal at third slip while on 60—off the unlucky Jasprit Bumrah, who looked the only real threat with the ball.

Cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar voiced his disappointment during commentary. “I don’t think there will be any medal given. T Dillip gives those after a match. This is what was really disappointing. Yashasvi Jaiswal is a very good fielder but hasn’t been able to hold on to anything this time,” Gavaskar remarked.

Earlier, India’s innings looked promising as Shubman Gill (147) and Rishabh Pant (134) shared a 209-run partnership. Jaiswal had also scored a composed 101. But after Gill’s departure, India collapsed quickly under pressure from Ben Stokes (4/66) and Josh Tongue (4/86).

England’s innings began late due to rain, and Bumrah struck early, dismissing Zak Crawley. Duckett (62) and Pope (batting 100*) then built a solid 122-run partnership. Duckett eventually chopped on to his stumps, and Joe Root was sent back by Bumrah for just 7—making it the 10th time the Indian pacer has dismissed him in Tests.

Harry Brook too got a reprieve when Bumrah had him caught at mid-wicket, only for the delivery to be ruled a no-ball—Bumrah’s third overstep in that over. England ended the day trailing by 262 runs, but with the momentum shifting their way.

For India, it was a tale of missed chances—both with the bat and in the field. With Day 3 looming, the visitors must regroup fast and support Bumrah with better discipline and sharper fielding.