[WATCH] ENG vs. IND 2025: Jamie Smith is returned via a relay catch by Ravindra Jadeja and Sai Sudharsan

On Day 3 of the first Test match against England at Headingley, Leeds, India made a significant breakthrough shortly after lunch when Jamie Smith was removed for 40 runs thanks to some cunning play close to the boundary.

With fielders positioned on the boundary and a short-ball strategy in place, Prasidh Krishna was brought into the attack. However, his shot was mistimed, and it went to deep square leg, where Ravindra Jadeja was positioned.

Jamie Smith tried to draw a short ball he delivered outside off.

Jadeja made an excellent catch and caught the ball, but he recognised he was too near the boundary rope and that his momentum would carry him over. By passing the ball to Sai Sudharsan, who had rushed in from close by, he demonstrated exceptional awareness. Jamie Smith was dismissed three deliveries before the new ball was due, and Sudharsan finished the catch. India got a much-needed wicket as a result of their successful short ball tactic.

Prasidh to Jamie Smith mistimed it, Jadeja grabs it and fires it straight to Sudharsan! Gone!! #INDvsENG pic.twitter.com/UsG8eIdn3T

— TheDoosraGuy (@manwithviews07) June 22, 2025

India scored an impressive 471 in their opening innings of the game. Shubman Gill (147 off 227), Rishabh Pant (134 off 178), and Yashasvi Jaiswal (101 off 159) all scored hundreds to propel the innings. Ben Stokes and Josh Tongue each took four wickets to limit the visitors as England clawed their way back on the start of the second day.

England’s response got off to a rough start as Jasprit Bumrah dismissed Zak Crawley early. But with a strong 122-run partnership for the second wicket, Ben Duckett and Ollie Pope kept the innings steady. Pope went on to hit a superb 106, but Bumrah eventually dismissed Duckett for 62. Harry Brook continued his outstanding form on Day 3, scoring his 12th Test half-century in just 26 innings just before lunch.