England have enjoyed a perfect day, shooting out India for a paltry 78 and then responding with 120 for no loss to completely dominate the opening three sessions of the third Test at Headingley.
Jimmy Anderson wrecked India’s top order with a three-wicket burst on Wednesday before Craig Overton and Sam Curran mowed down the tail to bundle out the tourists inside two sessions.
Then Haseeb Hameed (60) put on the team’s highest opening stand of the summer, an unbroken century partnership with Rory Burns (52), as England had a day they could hardly have dreamed of.
“It doesn’t get much better than that,” the ageless Anderson enthused.
“You just have to make the most of it while it lasts. These days don’t come around very often. Be happy when they do.”
It was just the fifth time in Test history that England’s openers had overtaken their opposition’s total in the first innings as they built up a 42-run lead.
Coming after a demoralising loss in the second Test at Lord’s – England were bowled out for 120 on the final day – which prompted serious questions about all departments of the team, this was just the riposte Joe Root’s side needed as they look to get back into the series from 1-0 down.
India captain Virat Kohli had won the toss for the first time in the last nine Tests against England and elected to bat, only to be part of an astonishing 40.4 overs collapse triggered by some high-class seam and swing bowling led by Anderson, who took 3-6.
He gave England a perfect start, dismissing in-form opener KL Rahul in the first over after he attempted a drive even before getting his eye in.
Next man in Cheteshwar Pujara scored one before edging Anderson behind, the batsman looking in two minds about which way the ball would swing.
Anderson followed with the prize wicket of Kohli, who fell in a similar manner, and let out a roar celebrating the dismissal.
The 39-year-old seamer produced a swing masterclass in his opening spell of 8-5-6-3, while his new-ball colleague Ollie Robinson struck either side of the lunch break, dismissing Ajinkya Rahane for 18 and removing the dangerous Rishabh Pant with Jos Buttler taking his fifth catch of a busy morning.
India went on to lose four wickets in six balls without adding a run in a spectacular batting collapse, Craig Overton taking 3-14 and Sam Curran 2-27, with both bowlers at one point earning a crack at a hat-trick.
Things couldn’t have gone much worse for India, who lost Ravindra Jadeja to an apparent knee injury before the close.
The team’s fielding was also poor, summed up by Rohit Sharma letting an edge slip though his grasp at slip and for four as Haseeb, promoted to opener from No.3, brought up his third fifty in five matches. Burns brought up his half-century in the penultimate over.
“When you bowl someone out for less than 100, you’re never quite sure whether you have bowled well or the wicket isn’t quite as good as you think it might be,” Anderson said.
“To see both sides bat on it and the way they (England’s openers) went about their business today, we just feel so calm.”
Ian
Roar Rookie
His batting has been poor for long time now.I'm convinced that he should take a massive step back,keep his mouth shut and just concentrate on his game.
Paul
Roar Guru
Totally agree Ian, about taking the captaincy from Kohli, but this is about losing face and we both know the pride this man in particular has. Rahane did an outstanding job as skipper in Australia and I'd be asking him to step up, but I suspect that will only happen after this series. Even then, it would be couched in terms like "Virat has decided to step down to focus on his role as short form skipper" or some other face-saving platitude. By the way, Joe Root was terrific again and really pleasing to see Malan & Hameed among the runs. Still, it looks like a new ball pitch, so England need to keep making a few more if they can, otherwise they might spend a couple of days in the field
Ian
Roar Rookie
Kohli's been out of order and out of form for a long time now.It's high time someone in the Indian camp pulled him aside,sat him down and told him to concentrate on his game instead of picking pointless arguments with everyone that's crossing his path.His batting in this series has so far been terrible.Hard hands,playing too far away from his body.If India lose this test,it might not be a bad idea to take the captaincy off him and tell him to shut up and focus on his game.Will that happen? A large flock of purple pigs have just flown by my window!
Tony
Roar Guru
Okay. I won't report you on this occasion. :happy:
Paul
Roar Guru
BBC cricket section https://www.bbc.com/sport/cricket/58334534 I know, I know, the Roar should be it, but it’s always nice to see what the “enemy’s” thinking.
Tony
Roar Guru
Another website?? :shocked:
Tony
Roar Guru
That's got to be close to Tim Paine's average
Paul
Roar Guru
I was reading a story on another website that mentioned on this day two years ago, one B Stokes belted England to victory after England were fired out for 67 in their first innings. As you say, still a long way to go
Clear as mud
Guest
It reminded me of Amazing Adelaide last year. India that bad. Playing at stuff they shouldn't have. That should be Rahane done for a while, possibly Puj as well. Juicy bowling. Curran bowled a spell before lunch, where his figures looked the worst. He was almost unplayable, at 130km/h. Will do well in... Amazing Adelaide. Good to see Hameed show intent early. It knocked India off their bowling plans. All of nthis faux Tavareism with Sibley 12 off 9 million balls - ridiculously negative to the team's detriment.
Targa
Roar Rookie
Averaging 23 since the start of 2020
Marty
Roar Rookie
He’s very good in home conditions, no doubt about that. Still a long way to go though.
Paul
Roar Guru
Right now, IMO Kohli's only there in reputation and previous record. He's seriously struggling
Cam
Roar Rookie
After all the talk about how tough and resilient India have become, they were dead-set lucky to make 78. I wasn't aware at how out of form Virat has been the past couple of years.
Pope Paul VII
Roar Rookie
It's a funny game cricket.
Paul
Roar Guru
It's quite amazing how much momentum can affect performances, especially in Test cricket. In the past two days of this series, we've seen an absolutely rampant India smash England with both bat and ball to comfortably win a Test match that looked destined for a draw. Overnight, we've seen the complete reverse, with India very poor in all facets and rightly getting belted just as badly in return. The highs & lows of Test cricket. Love it :happy:
JGK
Roar Guru
Shades of Boxing Day 2010. Anderson’s opening spell was a thing of beauty.
Once Upon a Time on the Roar
Roar Guru
Damn England. They always jag these kind of performances out of nowhere even when they're at rock bottom. So irritating.