Sourav Ganguly questioned the decision to exclude a pacer from India’s playing XI in the ongoing first Test against England in Leeds.
England Fights Back After Day 1 Dominance by India
After a dominant Day 1, England regained momentum on Day 2 of the first Test against India in Leeds. While India started strong, with Rishabh Pant celebrating a century with a somersault, England soon fought back by dismissing Shubman Gill for 147. India then collapsed, losing seven wickets for just 41 runs to finish their innings at 471.
Following a brief rain delay, England took control of their innings against Jasprit Bumrah’s fiery bowling. Bumrah struck early by sending Zak Crawley back but was let down by his teammates, as Ben Duckett was dropped twice before scoring 62 and eventually falling to Bumrah’s delivery.
Ollie Pope steadied England’s innings as conditions flattened and went on to notch back-to-back Test centuries. Bumrah troubled England’s top order, forcing a false shot from Joe Root and dismissing Harry Brook—only to be denied by no-ball calls in the final over. Despite Bumrah’s efforts, England ended Day 2 at 209/3, with little support from the rest of the Indian bowling unit.
Sourav Ganguly weighs in on India vs England
Speaking to PTI, Sourav Ganguly expressed confidence that India is well-positioned to reach a massive total of 600 runs. “Nobody expects Headingley to be so dry. But what will happen is, if they get 600, it starts getting a bit up and down. India must win this. They won’t get this opportunity again,” he said.
Ganguly also voiced disagreement with Gautam Gambhir’s selection decision, suggesting that Arshdeep Singh should have been preferred over Prasidh Krishna. “Kuldeep will play slowly. It’s a long series. I would have played Arsh because of a different angle (for being left-armer). But it’s okay. They’re good,” he added.
On England’s bowling, Ganguly observed, “They bowl too short actually. Halfway through yesterday, they were bowling only short to Shubman Gill. But it’s okay. They’ll learn. It’s just the first Test.” When asked about the series outcome, he remained cautious: “It’s too early to say.”
Day 3 will see Ollie Pope (100*) and Harry Brook (0*) resume England’s innings as they aim to build on their response.