Indian fast bowler Prasidh Krishna had a mixed outing during the first Test at Leeds, where he took three important wickets but also registered an unwanted record. His spell of 3 for 128 runs in 20 overs gave him the worst economy rate ever by an Indian bowler who has bowled at least 20 overs in a Test match.
Krishna dismissed Ollie Pope, Harry Brook, and Jamie Smith, all key players in England’s strong batting line-up. However, the England batters attacked him throughout his spell. He ended with an economy rate of 6.40, surpassing the previous record held by Varun Aaron. Aaron had conceded 136 runs in 23 overs against Australia in Adelaide in 2014, with an economy rate of 5.91.
Despite the heavy run flow, Krishna’s wickets were crucial. Pope scored 106, Brook made 99, and Smith added a quick 40. The match itself saw England respond strongly to India’s first-innings total of 471, getting bowled out for 465. At the end of day three, India held a narrow 6-run lead and ended the final session at 90/2.
India’s innings resumed in the evening after rain delayed play. Openers Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul began cautiously, but Jaiswal, who had scored a century in the first innings, was out early for just 4 runs. He edged a delivery from Brydon Carse into the gloves of wicketkeeper Jamie Smith.
KL Rahul looked confident and played some elegant shots, including two boundaries off Chris Woakes. Debutant Sai Sudharsan made a strong start, hitting a four off his first ball. The pair built a solid partnership and helped India cross the 50-run mark in just over 12 overs.
Rahul played with discipline, leaving deliveries outside off stump and punishing loose balls. Sudharsan supported him well with well-placed shots. Their 66-run stand gave India some breathing room after the early loss. But just as they looked set to build a bigger partnership, Ben Stokes struck.
The England captain dismissed Sudharsan for 30 off 48 balls with a smart piece of bowling. Sudharsan tried to flick Stokes through midwicket but found Zak Crawley instead. It was a disappointing end to a promising innings, especially after his first-innings duck.
Rahul, unbeaten on 47, was joined by captain Shubman Gill, who remained not out on 6 when rain interrupted play. The second session had earlier seen England continue their counterattack from 327/5, with Brook and Smith at the crease.
Brook was the star of England’s innings, missing his century by just one run. He scored 99 off 112 balls with 11 boundaries and two sixes before being caught by Shardul Thakur off Prasidh Krishna. His attacking approach set the tone for the rest of the batting order.
Smith added 40 runs with five boundaries and a six. Chris Woakes and Brydon Carse also chipped in with aggressive knocks. Woakes made 38 in 55 balls, while Carse scored a quick 22 from 23 deliveries. Their runs helped England pass the 400-run mark and come close to India’s first innings total.
A key moment came when Krishna removed Brook, breaking a dangerous partnership. Despite the expensive figures, his wickets helped India wrap up the England innings before the deficit became too large. Jasprit Bumrah led the attack with figures of 5 for 83, using bounce and reverse swing effectively.
England had started the day at 209/3 with Pope on 100 and Brook yet to score. Krishna struck early, getting Pope out for 106 from 137 balls. Pope’s innings included 14 boundaries and anchored the top order. Later, Brook’s partnerships with Ben Stokes (20 off 52) and Smith helped push the total past 300.
Earlier contributions from Ben Duckett, who scored 62 off 94 balls with nine fours, gave England a strong start on day two. These performances gave them the foundation to respond competitively to India’s total.
The day ended with India at 90/2 and a lead of 96 runs. Rain brought an early close to what had been a dramatic day of Test cricket. With Rahul and Gill at the crease, India will look to extend their lead on day four.
Despite the expensive spell, Prasidh Krishna’s ability to take wickets in key moments added value to India’s bowling effort. However, the high economy rate will be a concern as he looks to find better rhythm in future matches.
