England's generational talent Harry Brook has put them in a commanding position in the ongoing first Test match against India in Leeds. Brook, who was given a reprieve on zero by Jasprit Bumrah made them pay by playing an attacking brand of cricket. Despite the hosts losing two wickets of Ollie Pope (106) and skipper Ben Stokes (20), England's vice-captain kept the scoreboard ticking and brought 300 up.
Late in the first session, Rishabh Pant also dropped Brook on (46) off Ravindra Jadeja's bowling. Soon after, the right-hand batter got to his 50 and showed yet again why he is rated so highly. The 25-year-old was given good company by wicketkeeper-batter Jamie Smith, who attacked from word go and did not allow any of the Indian bowlers to settle. Day three began on a good note for India, as Prasidh Krishna struck by removing the Pope.
After that, Stokes and Harry Brook blunted the Indian bowling and rotated the strikes by scoring odd boundaries. However, just when Stokes was looking good to play a big innings, the southpaw got out by chasing a wide ball to Siraj. While India thought that might be an opening to dismiss the hosts' lower-order batters, Smith and Brook ensured there were no hiccups in the first session.
Also Read: IND vs ENG: Rishabh Pant breaks another record, completes 150 catches in Test cricket
Harry Brook key for England as they look to take a big lead
Meanwhile, for hosts, Brook will be a key batter if they harbor hopes of taking a big first innings lead. The right-hand batter has a knack for playing big innings once he gets to fifty. India would be hoping they remove the dangerous Brook. If not, then the visitors will be in for a long day on day three.
Also Read: IND vs ENG: Jasprit Bumrah breaks Wasim Akram's stunning record, proves why he's the best pacer
For more live updates of England vs India 1st Test Day 3:
