India batted first on day one of the first test and they set the bar high. Despite the recent retirements of cricket icons Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, the team made sure that they made it clear there was no hole missing through the duo’s absence.
A strong showing from Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill, who both hit tons, helped the away side to a strong 359-3 lead at the end of the first day at Headlingley Cricket Ground in Yorkshire.
Michael Vaughan, former England captain, was left baffled by Ben Stokes’ decision to bowl after winning the toss. With the weather being clear and sunny, Vaughan said: “Here at Leeds, when the sun is shining, in dry weather, you bat” via BBC Sport.
India’s brilliance when batting did not stop after day one however, as the away team totalled a score of 471 runs, which put huge amounts of pressure onto England. Rishabh Pant, the vice-captain of India in test series scored a total of 134 runs from 178, helping to further strengthen India’s lead in the match.
But in the first inning, India 430-4, with six wickets remaining. But when all 10 wickets were taken, they only had 471 runs. 41 runs for six wickets would have been viewed as a missed opportunity for the away nation.
Although the home team were yet to bat, if they were to win, they had to perform to their very best and do something magical in Yorkshire.
Despite only one batsman scored over a century in the first inning, there was plenty of England players who scored impressive scores. Ollie Pope scored 106 runs, while Harry Brook was one off 100, as he finished on 99. Ben Stokes totalled 20 runs, before he was caught out by Rishabh Pant.
In the second inning, Kannaur Rahul scored 137 and Pant picked up a total of 118 runs from 140 bowls. 364 all out at the end of the second inning for India, while England were yet to bat for the second time.
A target score of 371 was set for England and they started strong through Duckett and Crawley, scoring 117 not out at lunch. England were flying and were 206-2 and needed only 165 runs from eight wickets, which was certainly achievable. But there was a big twist in the tale.
253 runs on the board and two out, England saw two more depart in quick succession. Duckett was caught out in the second inning and with the next bowl, Brook was caught out with his first bat.
England went from cruising to now feeling the pressure.
But Ben Stokes entered the field and helped to bring stability to the game for the home side. 118 runs left and six wickets remaining for India to take, England went from being out before batting, to now being in with a huge chance of winning the first test match of the series.
Yorkshire saw England pull off a miraculous result against India, with the first of five test matches going the way of The Three Lions.
England successfully chased their second highest ever score, just behind their 378 score which also came against India.
To be 370 runs down and to reach 373 and win by five wickets, a statement on test match one was made by Brendon McCullum’s side.
