India lost to England in the opening Test of the five-match series at Headingley as the hosts chased 371 on the final day to win by five wickets. The successful chase of 371, was the second highest at the ground and also the second-highest score ever chased down by England. Ben Duckett hit a tremendous century while Zak Crawley and Joe Root scored fifties to help England cross the line without much damage.
Reactions have poured in since the match ended as a disappointed India look within for reasons that led to their loss despite being in dominant positions in different parts of the game. Here is a look at the important and interesting developments that have taken place since India's defeat at Headingley.
Gambhir Backs Lower Order
India's lower order collapse in both the innings changed the course of the game but head coach Gautam Gambhir did not single out the collapse as reason behind loss.
"Look, first of all, it's not that they weren't applying themselves. Sometimes people fail. And that's okay," Gambhir said. "I know it's disappointing. And more importantly, I think they were more disappointed than anyone, because they knew we had the opportunity. It's not like they're not working hard in the nets. These things happen. Even proper batters fail. Hopefully they'll learn, and hopefully we'll get better performances from our tail. And that is not the only reason we lost the Test match."
Stokes Hails Openers
England's successful chase of 371 was set up by a superb 188-run opening stand between Crawley and Duckett and captain Ben Stokes could not stop praising the effort.
"Chasing 370 like we were, you always want to get off to a good start. The least amount of wickets that you lose early on is obviously crucial, but the way he (Duckett) went about it with Zak and then played the game at the top of that order for us was huge in particular," Stokes said.
Gambhir Reveals Plans on Jasprit Bumrah
Gautam Gambhir said that India have yet not decided on which two of the remaining four Tests Jasprit Bumrah will be playing.
"I think for us to manage Bumrah's workload is more important because there's a lot of cricket going forward and we know that what he brings to the table as well," Gambhir said.
"So before he came on this tour, it was already decided that he's going to play three Test matches, but let's see how his body turns up. But we haven't decided which two other Test matches he's going to play."
Bumrah picked up a five-wicket haul in the first innings despite multiple dropped catches off his bowling. However, he could not take a wicket in the second innings.
Pant's Challenge to Siraj
When is Next India vs England Test?
India vs England 2nd Test takes place at Edgbaston from July 2 to 6.
