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India made a resounding statement in the opening Test of their 2025 England tour at Headingley, piling up a commanding total of 471 runs in their first innings.
Dominant Indian batting performance sets the tone at Headingley
Led by captain Shubman Gill’s majestic 147 and Rishabh Pant’s explosive 134, the visitors capitalized on a batting-friendly surface and a largely erratic English bowling display. Yashasvi Jaiswal gave India a brisk start with a confident century (101 off 159), while KL Rahul provided early stability with 42. A 209-run fourth-wicket partnership between Gill and Pant dismantled the English attack, especially after early setbacks saw India reduced to 92/2. However, once that stand was broken, the lower order crumbled quickly, losing seven wickets for just 41 runs. Josh Tongue and Ben Stokes were the pick of the bowlers, taking four wickets each, while Shoaib Bashir and Brydon Carse chipped in with one apiece. Extras contributed a significant 31 runs to India’s total.
England fight back with Ben Duckett and Ollie Pope
Despite losing Zak Crawley in the very first over to a Jasprit Bumrah outswinger, England showed resilience during the post-lunch session. Ben Duckett anchored the innings with a stylish 62, partnering well with Ollie Pope, who remains unbeaten on 64. The pair added 122 runs for the second wicket and absorbed early pressure with controlled stroke play, targeting India’s third and fourth seamers. Joe Root, cautious at the crease on 7 not out, accompanied Pope as England reached 140/2 at the close of the second session on Day 2. Bumrah was India’s only successful bowler, dismissing both openers with sharp deliveries. However, with England still trailing by 331 runs and India having the advantage of scoreboard pressure, Day 3 promises to be pivotal in shaping the contest.
Frustration mounts as Shardul Thakur stays unused with the ball
A surprising talking point during England’s innings was the non-utilization of all-rounder Shardul Thakur, who has yet to bowl a single over after two full sessions of play. Despite being listed in the playing XI as a pace-bowling option, Shardul was overlooked in favor of Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna and even spinner Ravindra Jadeja. The decision raised eyebrows among cricket enthusiasts and observers, especially considering Krishna leaked runs at at 5 runs per over in his brief five-over spell. Social media was abuzz with reactions questioning the rationale behind India’s bowling strategy. Many pointed out that on a surface offering decent carry, Thakur’s ability to move the ball and break partnerships might have been a valuable asset. With Day 3 likely to see reverse swing and wear on the pitch, it remains to be seen whether captain Gill brings Thakur into the attack.
Here’s how fans reacted:
What’s the point of picking Shardul Thakur if he won’t bowl, contribute nothing with the bat. Nitish Reddy would have contributed a lot
— Abhishek ✨ (@ImAbhishek7_) June 21, 2025
Shardul Thakur ko le kar aao…
— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) June 21, 2025
If Shardul ain't good enough to bowl before Jadeja in England, why is he playing ahead of NKR??
— Mohit Katta (@MohitKattaC1733) June 21, 2025
Shardul Thakur? 👀
Niggle?— Sahil Malhotra (@Sahil_Malhotra1) June 21, 2025
I don't get this whole thing about playing a Bowler and then not trusting them, if you have played Shardul you have gotta trust him before you go to spin and before you go back to Bumrah for second spell.
This happened plenty in Australia as well.
— Akash (@Akashkumarjha14) June 21, 2025
If you decided to bowl a spinner as early in the innings, would have rather Kuldeep over Shardul, which I suggested pre match.
— archith (@InswinginMenace) June 21, 2025
Why Shardul Thakur is not getting the ball in his hands? Even Ravindra Jadeja has bowled before him. Why?
— Vipul 🇮🇳 (@Vipul_Espeaks) June 21, 2025
India has bowled 34 overs which could be 30% – 50% of a test innings. And yet no Shardul Thakur. Maybe fifth bowler strategy rethink required?
— Aashish Chandorkar (@c_aashish) June 21, 2025
Even Bharat Arun is shocked in the commentary box on why Shardul Thakur hasn't bowled yet. He's saying Shardul's strength is new ball, the more the ball gets old, he will not be much lethal.
— maddy (@224notout) June 21, 2025
Not a single over for Shardul Thakur,why is he playing why not NKR then?
— r1shab🇮🇳 (@rishabgargalt) June 21, 2025
