Headingley Test: Seamers, openers put England in command

Rory Burns en route to his fifty. Photo: Twitter/ICC

Leeds: England completely dominated the proceedings on the opening day of the third Test against India by reaching 120/0 after bundling out the visitors for a paltry 78 in their first innings here on Wednesday.
At the close of play, openers Haseeb Hameed (60 not out) Rory Burns (52 not out) remained unconquered at the crease and took England's lead to 42 runs.

Earlier, England shot out India for 78. James Anderson wrecked India's top order with a three-wicket burst before Craig Overton and Sam Curran mowed down the tail to bundle out the tourists inside two sessions.

After India captain Virat Kohli had won the toss and elected to bat, Anderson gave England a dream start, dismissing in-form opener K L Rahul in the first over.

Rahul fell caught behind for a duck, attempting a drive even before getting his eye in.

Next man in Cheteshwar Pujara scored one before edging Anderson behind, the batsman looking in two minds about which way the ball would swing.

Jameson Anderson is pumped up after dismissing Virat Kohli. Photo: Reuters

Anderson followed with the prize wicket of Kohli, who fell in a similar manner, and let out a roar celebrating the dismissal.

The 39-year-old seamer produced a swing masterclass in his opening spell which read 8-5-6-3.

His new-ball partner Ollie Robinson struck either side of the lunch break, dismissing Ajinkya Rahane for 18 and removing the dangerous Rishabh Pant with Jos Buttler taking his fifth catch of a busy morning.

James Anderson put on a masterly display of swing bowling. Photo: Twitter/ICC

India went on to lose four wickets in a span of six balls without adding a run in a spectacular batting collapse.

Opener Rohit Sharma survived 105 balls for his 19 but threw away his wicket after all the hard work.

India, who lead the five-match series 1-0, fielded an unchanged squad, while England made two changes.

Dawid Malan was picked in place of an out-of-form Dom Sibley, while Overton replaced injured seamer Mark Wood.

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