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"Fate Had Decided On 99 For Brook": Jasprit Bumrah Rubs Salt Into 26-Year-Old's Wounds

Rajgeeta Yadav

Harry Brook one run short of century  [Source: AP Photos]Harry Brook one run short of century  [Source: AP Photos]

England young batting star Harry Brook had a rollercoaster of an innings on Day 3 of the first Test against India at Headingley. On his home ground, Brook played a brilliant knock filled with aggressive strokes, including a stunning four off Jasprit Bumrah and a towering six off Prasidh Krishna. He looked set for a memorable century. But fate had other plans.

Just one run short of his hundred, Brook mistimed a pull shot off Prasidh Krishna and was caught by Shardul Thakur in the deep. It was a heartbreaking end to what could have been his second century on English soil. What made it more emotional was how close he came  and how many chances he had.

Brook was first given a lifeline on Saturday when he was caught off a mistimed shot, but Bumrah had overstepped, turning it into a no-ball. On Sunday, he was dropped twice, once on 46 and again on 82. Despite the luck, the century slipped through his fingers.

Jasprit Bumrah Acknowledges Brook’s Brilliance and Luck

India ace pacer Jasprit Bumrah, who took an impressive 5 for 83, acknowledged Brook’s effort and accepted that luck was part of the game.

 "I think fate had decided on 99 for him, because he got dropped a few times after (the no-ball) as well," Bumrah told reporters.

 "But that is not to take away from him. He assessed the conditions well, he fancies his game and plays an aggressive style of cricket. He makes you think he can play an aggressive shot but he can shut up shop as well. Full credit, he played really well and we'll try to have better plans in the next innings," he added.

India closed Day 3 with a lead of 96 runs at 90 for 2, keeping the match finely balanced. Ollie Pope, who scored 106, revealed that Brook was visibly disappointed at missing out on the milestone, becoming the 14th English player ever to get out on 99 in Test cricket.

Headingley Test Hangs In Balance

With both teams performing strongly, the first Test remains wide open. England’s 465-run total was only six short of India’s first-innings score. As India build its second innings, the focus will shift to how well their batters capitalize on the narrow lead.