England were left to rue their selection errors after Axar Patel and Washington Sundar led India to a comfortable win in the third Test at Headingley. The visitors chased down a target of 245 with six wickets in hand, taking a 2-1 lead in the series.
Patel and Sundar Shine
Axar Patel scored an unbeaten 82 off 118 balls, while Washington Sundar contributed a crucial 64 not out off 96 deliveries, as India reached 248 for 4 in 68.3 overs. The pair added an unbroken 147-run partnership for the fifth wicket, frustrating England's bowlers.
England's Selection Blunders
England's decision to leave out experienced spinner Jack Leach and instead play two seamers on a turning pitch was widely criticized. Captain Ben Stokes admitted the team got it wrong. "We thought the pitch would offer more for the seamers, but it spun from day one," Stokes said. "We made a mistake in selection, and it cost us the game."
India's Batting Display
India's chase was set up by a solid opening partnership of 68 between Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill. Despite a middle-order wobble, Patel and Sundar guided the team home with composure. "The partnership was special, and we executed our plans well," said Patel after the match.
Series Implications
The win puts India 2-1 up in the five-match series, with the fourth Test set to begin at the Oval on July 22. England will need to reassess their strategy if they are to level the series. The hosts have now lost two consecutive Tests after winning the first match by 10 wickets.
