The Headingley Test is now history. It is doubtful if any Test match in recent times had such a dramatic twist as this involving a young Indian side and an experienced English lot.

To tell the truth, many cricket experts had the misgivings that this relatively inexperienced squad with a new captain in charge would prove easy meat for the rivals, known for their fighting skills.

But the story that unfolded was a fascinating contest of bat and ball that few would have predicted would end the way it did! True India lost, but how, almost after being in a position of advantage! Over two decades ago, in 2002, at the same venue, India had chalked out a memorable innings victory over England in a Test match that saw batting greats like Sachin Tendulkar, Saurav Ganguly and Rahul Dravid scoring centuries to help India post a huge score.

With spinning legend Anil Kumble then coming up with his wonted touch, England’s debacle had begun early then. A touch similarity came up this time with a collection of centuries, five in all, Rishab Pant scoring tons in each innings aside from debutant captain Shubman Gill, K.L. Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal. But there ended the........

© Mathrubhumi English