HYDERABAD — Harry Brook's scintillating 99 and Ben Stokes' crucial late strike left the first Test between England and India tantalizingly poised after an enthralling second day at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium. England, bowled out for 246, fell just 28 runs short of India's first-innings total before Stokes removed the dangerous Yashasvi Jaiswal to leave the hosts 42/1 at stumps.
Brook's near-century anchors England
Brook, playing his first Test in India, showcased his adaptability with a masterful knock that rescued England from early trouble at 60/3. The 24-year-old Yorkshireman counterpunched against spin with precision, hitting 11 fours and a six, before falling agonizingly short of a century to Ravindra Jadeja's arm ball. "I'm obviously gutted not to get three figures," Brook admitted post-play, "but the way Stokesy and the tail dragged us close to their total was massive."
Key moments in England's innings:
- Jasprit Bumrah removed Zak Crawley (20) and Ollie Pope (1) in a fiery spell with reverse swing
- Brook and Joe Root (29) rebuilt with an 84-run stand, exploiting gaps against India's defensive fields
- Axar Patel (3/68) broke through with Root's wicket, sparking a mini-collapse of 3/15
- Stokes (28) and Tom Hartley (23) added 38 vital runs for the eighth wicket
Stokes' tactical masterstroke
With India 15/0 in their second innings, Stokes summoned part-time spinner Joe Root in the seventh over—a move that initially drew skepticism. However, the England captain's gamble paid off when he himself took over from Root and trapped Jaiswal lbw for 15 with a sharp inswinger. "That's why he's the best captain in the world," remarked Nasser Hussain on commentary. "He sees opportunities others don't."
India's cautious approach
Rohit Sharma (24*) and Shubman Gill (5*) survived a testing 12-over period against England's spinners, with Jack Leach beating the bat repeatedly. India's lead stands at 70, but the pitch is showing increasing signs of uneven bounce. "This is now a proper fourth-innings chase wicket," observed Sunil Gavaskar. "Anything over 250 will be extremely tough to chase."
Day 3 preview
With the match hanging in the balance, Saturday's morning session could prove decisive. India will aim to build a lead beyond 150, while England's spinners—particularly debutant Hartley—will look to exploit widening cracks. Weather may play a factor, with humidity expected to rise and potentially accelerate deterioration. Key battles to watch:
- Rohit vs. Leach: The Indian skipper has been dismissed 6 times by left-arm spin in Tests since 2021
- Gill's vulnerability to Stokes' angled deliveries (averages 18 against England in Tests)
- Brook's potential second-innings impact after narrowly missing out today
As Stokes noted at the close, "This is exactly why we love Test cricket—two quality teams going blow for blow. We've got ourselves into a proper scrap here, and that's where we thrive." With three days remaining and all results possible, Hyderabad awaits another gripping chapter in this finely balanced contest.