Can Harry Brook’s Unbeaten Fifty Propel England Forward?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Harry Brook reached his 12th Test fifty.
- England is currently at 327/5, trailing by 144 runs.
- The partnership between Brook and Smith is crucial for England.
- Jasprit Bumrah remains a key threat for England.
- The Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy adds extra excitement to the series.
Leeds, June 22 (NationPress) Homegrown talent Harry Brook showcased his extraordinary skills by scoring his 12th Test fifty, leaving England trailing India by 144 runs as they reached 327/5 in 77 overs at lunch on day three of the inaugural Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy Test at Headingley on Sunday.
After nearly being dismissed for a duck by Jasprit Bumrah at the end of day two—thanks to a no-ball that the replays revealed—Brook found his rhythm and flourished. He received another chance when on 46, as Rishabh Pant let a catch slip off Ravindra Jadeja, eventually reaching his half-century off just 65 balls and finishing the session unbeaten at 57.
With Jamie Smith providing solid support with 29 not out off 45 balls, their partnership of 51 runs off 73 balls gives England hope of overtaking India, who bowled with greater control, despite Bumrah being unable to add to his three wickets. He will have another opportunity in the second session to secure further breakthroughs.
Brook was aggressive from the outset, cutting Prasidh Krishna for four and then pulling him over midwicket for six. Overnight centurion Ollie Pope contributed just six runs before edging behind off Krishna, marking Rishabh Pant’s 150th Test catch. Still, Brook continued to impress with his lofted, steering, driving, and ramp shots.
Ben Stokes appeared unsettled in his innings of 20 off 52 balls before being caught behind off Mohammed Siraj, leading to a frustrated display as he threw his bat in the air. Smith managed to find boundaries against Siraj and Shardul Thakur, narrowly avoiding an inside edge that B Sai Sudharsan could not take at forward short leg off Jadeja.
Brook's escape on 46 came when Pant failed to secure the rebound catch off Jadeja, who was getting assistance from the pitch. While Brook and Smith ensured that England ended the session without further loss, the new ball is due in three overs, meaning they will face a significant challenge from Bumrah when the post-lunch session begins.
Brief Scores: India 471 in 113 overs (Shubman Gill 147; Ben Stokes 4-66) lead England 327/5 in 77 overs (Ollie Pope 106, Ben Duckett 62; Jasprit Bumrah 3-67, Mohammed Siraj 1-73) by 144 runs.