England v India: Brilliant hosts dominate first day of third Test

3 years ago 40
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India 78: Anderson 3-6, Overton 3-14
England 120-0: Hameed 58*, Burns 52*
England lead by 42 runs
Scorecard

England produced a stunning all-round display to take complete control of the third Test against India on the first day at Headingley.

They were led by the peerless James Anderson, who claimed 3-6, including India captain Virat Kohli, as England exploited the seam movement on offer.

Craig Overton, in for the injured Mark Wood, also took three wickets, and both he and Sam Curran had the chance of a hat-trick after taking two wickets in two balls.

India lost their last seven wickets for 22 runs, at one stage losing four wickets for no runs in the space of six balls.

England's day was further improved by the 58 not out made by Haseeb Hameed, restored to open the batting in Test cricket for the first time since 2016.

With Rory Burns moving to an unbeaten 52, England's opening partnership passed India's total to leave the hosts in a perfect position to level the five-match series at 1-1.

Brilliant England reverse the momentum

England's complete performance was as impressive as it was unexpected, given the way India had the better of the first two Tests, particularly when the hosts capitulated at Lord's.

Two years ago to the day, Ben Stokes' individual brilliance gave England one of their most famous victories of all-time when Australia were defeated on this ground.

Now, with their talismanic all-rounder just one of a lengthy list of absentees, Joe Root's side collectively reversed the momentum in what could turn into a stellar series.

Everything went their way from the moment Kohli won the toss and elected to bat, giving England an opportunity to bowl that otherwise only the bravest captain would have chosen.

Overton justified his selection over Saqib Mahmood, England's catching was vastly improved, while Hameed vindicated his promotion in place of the discarded Dom Sibley.

India, by contrast, were awful - their batting loose, bowling without venom and fielding scruffy.

The past has shown us that even the longest odds can be overcome at Headingley - England won from being bowled out for 67 in Stokes' Test - and an India victory from here would rank alongside that incredible comeback.

More to follow.

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