Rishabh Pant’s brilliant 178-ball 134 lit up Day 2 of the first Test in Leeds, but England staged a fierce fightback to restrict India to 471 in their first innings. The hosts claimed seven Indian wickets for just 41 runs in a dramatic post-lunch collapse, clawing their way back into the contest after a dominant start by the visitors.

India began the day in a commanding position at 359 for 3, with Shubman Gill and Pant well-set at the crease. However, it was England who struck the first blow of the morning. Shoaib Bashir provided the breakthrough, dismissing Gill for a majestic 147. The Indian skipper, who faced 227 balls and struck 19 fours and a six, edged one to the slips, ending what had been a serene and authoritative knock.

Gill’s dismissal opened the floodgates. Karun Nair, who had walked in at the fall of the captain, lasted just four balls. He fell without scoring, caught by Ollie Pope off a sharp delivery from Ben Stokes. The England captain continued to lead from the front, striking again just before the lunch interval. He removed Shardul Thakur for 1, caught behind, picking up his fourth wicket of the match and further tilting the balance in his side’s favour.