India made a critical breakthrough immediately after lunch on Day 3 of the first Test against England at Headingley, Leeds, when Jamie Smith was bowled for 40 runs following some smart work around the boundary.

Prasidh Krishna was introduced to the attack with a short-ball strategy in place and fielders stationed on the boundary. He threw a short ball outside off, which Smith tried to pull. But he mistimed the shot, sending the ball to deep square leg, where Ravindra Jadeja was positioned.

Ravindra Jadeja evaluated the catch correctly and secured the ball, but knew he was too close to the boundary rope and that his momentum would carry him across.

He demonstrated tremendous awareness by passing the ball to Sai Sudharsan, who had rushed in from nearby. Sudharsan made the catch as Smith was removed only three deliveries before the new ball was due. India’s strategy with the short ball paid off, resulting in a much-needed wicket.

Prasidh to Jamie Smith mistimed it, Jadeja grabs it and fires it straight to Sudharsan! Gone!! #INDvsENG pic.twitter.com/UsG8eIdn3T

— TheDoosraGuy (@manwithviews07) June 22, 2025

Earlier in the contest, India scored a high total of 471 in their first innings. Yashasvi Jaiswal (101 off 159), Shubman Gill (147 off 227), and Rishabh Pant (134 off 178) all contributed century to the innings. England clawed their way back on the second day morning, with Ben Stokes and Josh Tongue taking four wickets each to limit the visitors.

In response, England made a rocky start, losing Zak Crawley to Jasprit Bumrah. However, Ben Duckett and Ollie Pope kept the innings going with a good 122-run partnership for the second wicket. Bumrah eventually dismissed Duckett for 62, while Pope scored an impressive 106. On Day 3, just before lunch, Harry Brook scored his 12th Test half-century in just 26 innings, keeping up his excellent form.