[WATCH] ENG vs IND 2025: Ravindra Jadeja and Sai Sudharsan’s relay catch sends back Jamie Smith

India got a crucial breakthrough just after the Lunch break on Day 3 of the first Test against England at Headingley, Leeds, as Jamie Smith was dismissed for 40 runs courtesy of some smart work near the boundary.

Prasidh Krishna was brought into the attack with a short-ball strategy in place and fielders positioned on the boundary. He delivered a short ball outside off, which Smith attempted to pull. But, he mistimed the shot, sending the ball towards deep square leg where Ravindra Jadeja was stationed.

Jadeja judged the catch well and grabbed the ball but realised he was too close to the boundary rope and his momentum would take him across. He showed excellent awareness by relaying the ball to Sai Sudharsan, who had run in from nearby. Sudharsan completed the catch as Smith was dismissed just three deliveries before the new ball was due. India’s ploy with the short ball paid off, giving them a much-needed wicket.

Earlier in the match, India posted a strong total of 471 in their first innings. The innings was powered by centuries from Yashasvi Jaiswal (101 off 159), Shubman Gill (147 off 227), and Rishabh Pant (134 off 178). England managed to manage their way back on the second day morning with Ben Stokes and Josh Tongue picking up four wickets each to restrict the visitors.

In reply, England had a shaky start, losing Zak Crawley early to Jasprit Bumrah. However, Ben Duckett and Ollie Pope steadied the innings with a solid 122-run stand for the second wicket. Duckett was eventually dismissed by Bumrah for 62, while Pope went on to score a fine 106. Just before Lunch on Day 3, Harry Brook notched up his 12th Test half-century in just 26 innings while continuing his impressive form.