[WATCH] ENG vs IND 2025: Rishabh Pant furious as umpires deny India’s ball-change request at Headingley

Rishabh Pant, India’s vice-captain, was angry with the umpires on Day 3 of the first Test against England at Headingley in Leeds. The incident began around the 60th over, when Pant pleaded for a change from the old ball, citing the lack of swing.

But the umpire dismissed the plea, prompting Rishabh Pant to hurl the ball in frustration.

Jasprit Bumrah also joined the call to alter the ball, but the umpires maintained their decision.

Earlier, India scored 471 runs in the first innings, with three stunning centuries. Yashasvi Jaiswal hit 101 off 159 balls, skipper Shubman Gill led the innings with 147 off 227, and Pant scored 134 off 178 deliveries.

Despite the excellent foundation, India collapsed dramatically on the morning of Day 2, losing seven wickets for 41 runs. Ben Stokes and Josh Tongue were England’s top performers, taking four wickets each.

In response, England’s innings began on shaky footing as Zak Crawley was removed cheaply. However, Ben Duckett and Ollie Pope held the score steady with a 122-run partnership for the second wicket. Duckett hit 62 before being dismissed, but Pope went on to complete his century.

On Day 3, Prasidh Krishna struck early and removed Pope for 106. Despite the early setback, England maintained an aggressive stance. Harry Brook was instrumental in forming two critical partnerships of fifty or more with Stokes and Jamie Smith. Brook stayed unbeaten at lunch, with 57*, while Smith was on 29*.

During the lunch break on Day 3, England continued to press forward with Brook and Smith at the wicket. Bumrah led India’s bowling assault with three wickets, while Siraj and Krishna added one each.