England’s Harry Brook took centre stage on the third day of the first Test with a counter-attacking knock that left India’s bowlers stroking their chins and fans on the edge of theirs. After resuming on an overnight score of 209 for three, Brook was in no mood to hang around and get England’s total up. He swung with unashamed violence, hitting bad balls and conducting clinics in experimental violence. Approaching the run-scoring in pretty brisk tempo, England were 327 for five at lunch, still 144 runs behind India.

Brook’s innings wasn’t without its share of drama. India’s pacers, barring Jasprit Bumrah, struggled with their line and length, allowing Brook to dominate. He was given a lifeline when wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant dropped him on 46, and he even survived a dismissal off a Bumrah no-ball the previous evening. Meanwhile, India’s frustration grew with a worn-out Dukes ball that they repeatedly asked the umpires to replace.

But the real spark came during an intense face-off between Brook and Mohammed Siraj. In the 84th over, Brook missed a ball that struck his elbow and thigh before trickling away. When he turned back, he found Siraj giving him a fierce stare. A few words were exchanged in the heat of the moment, capturing the attention of fans online. The brief exchange added fire to an already hard-fought contest.

👀😯🗣️ Tensions rising in the middle!#MohammedSiraj and #HarryBrook in a fiery exchange as the heat is on at Headingley! 🔥#ENGvIND 1st Test Day 3 LIVE NOW Streaming on JioHotstar 👉 https://t.co/SIJ5ri9fiC pic.twitter.com/nKZTSeFZt1

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) June 22, 2025

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Heated Words and Heartbreak at 99

Brook’s counterattack kept India under pressure throughout the session.Even after India dismissed overnight centurion Ollie Pope and captain Ben Stokes, Brook remained firm, striking some elegant drives and bold shots over the infield. His positive mindset unsettled bowlers and made India change plans time and time again.

And, alas for England, Brook agonisingly missed a century he may never have forgotten. Prasidh Krishna bowled him for 99 — only one short of the century that his defiant innings merited. Yet his skirmish with Siraj, and aggressive inclination, did capture the essence of England’s scrap on a day when the series really ignited.