England’s strong start, reaching 55 for no loss, quickly turned into a struggle as they slipped to 60 for three on the first day of the Test series in Hyderabad against India. The Indian captain, Rohit Sharma, made strategic bowling changes that proved effective in favor of the home team.
Openers Zak Crawley (20) and Ben Duckett (35) forged a solid partnership of 55 runs for the first wicket, appearing comfortable and aiming to attack the Indian spinners. However, the breakthrough came in the 12th over when veteran spinner Ravichandran Ashwin dismissed Duckett.
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he momentum continued to swing in India’s favor as Ravindra Jadeja got rid of Ollie Pope in the 15th over, with a sharp edge caught brilliantly by Rohit at slips. In the very next ball of the 16th over, Crawley chipped one to Mohammed Siraj, who took a tumbling catch, securing the third wicket.
Here is the video of the catch from Rohit Sharma:
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Winning the toss, England chose to bat first in Hyderabad, opting for a lineup with three spinners and resting veteran pacer James Anderson. Mark Wood was the sole specialist pacer in the XI, supported by spinners Jack Leach, Rehan Ahmed, and debutant Tom Hartley.
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India also fielded three spinners, with Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, and Axar Patel, along with specialist pacers Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj. Missing Mohammed Shami due to an ankle injury, India’s batting lineup saw Rohit Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal opening, followed by Shubman Gill at three, Shreyas Iyer at four (in the absence of Virat Kohli), KL Rahul at five, KS Bharat at six, Ravindra Jadeja at seven, Ashwin at eight, and the bowlers to follow.
England captain Ben Stokes, having won the toss, took a brave decision to bat first. The positive start was overshadowed by the quick succession of wickets, requiring the experienced Joe Root and Jonny Bairstow to play pivotal roles in stabilizing the innings. The first day of the Test series promises an intriguing battle between the English and Indian sides.
