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The first session of the fifth and final day of the Headingley Test saw England openers Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett punish the Indian bowlers and help their side in moving closer to the target of 371. The Men in Blue failed to get any wicket during the first session of Day 5 as the hosts managed to score 96 runs in 24 overs.
England didn't lose a single wicket in the first session
The session concluded with England in a commanding position at 117/0 with Crawley unbeaten on 42 and Duckett batting on 64. The Indian bowlers will be desperate for wickets as they return to the field for the second session. Unlike in the first innings where Jasprit Bumrah had dismissed Crawley for just four runs in the first over, the English openers have given a great performance so far in the second innings and haven't let the visitors get the much-needed breakthrough.
Former India cricketer Ravi Shastri, who was sitting in the commentary box when the duo of Crawley and Duckett were piling runs against Shubman Gill & Co, claimed that the team needs someone like Virat Kohli in a situation like this, who can rile up the opposing batters and force them into making mistakes and eventually give away their wicket.
“India need someone to do a Kohli. Should be someone designated. Kohli could do it for 3 people. Get in the face,” Shastri said while commentating on Day 5.
Meanwhile, Kohli shocked the cricketing world when he announced his retirement from Test cricket last month. This came as a big surprise as many had expected the star cricketer to play a key role in the ongoing five-match series against England. The 36-year-old's sudden retirement left a big void in the side and it will be interesting to see which player manages to fill it in the series against the Three Lions.
Kohli is currently only active as a player in the one-day format. He had taken his retirement from T20Is last year when India triumphed in the final of the 2024 T20 World Cup against South Africa. The star cricketer will likely be seen in action during India's three-match ODI series against Bangladesh which will commence from August 17.
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