The much-anticipated 5-match Test series between India and England is underway, with the first Test being played at Leeds. Notably, Indian veterans Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma are absent from this tour, having recently retired from Test cricket. Their retirement had sent shockwaves among cricket enthusiasts, raising questions about its impact on the series. However, the atmosphere at Leeds tells a very different story.

Unwavering Fan Excitement at the India-England Test

The ongoing Test match has generated tremendous enthusiasm among cricket lovers, turning the stadium into a festive arena. Reports reveal that all tickets for the first three days of the match were sold out, with 13,000 tickets already booked for the fourth day in a stadium that holds 18,000 spectators. This clearly shows that Test cricket’s charm remains intact in England, where the format has historically enjoyed immense support.

Both teams are putting up a stellar performance on the field, while fans from both sides cheer passionately. Indian supporters wave the tricolor with pride, and the English crowd rallies behind their team with equal fervor, enriching the match-day experience and proving that Test cricket still commands a special place in the hearts of fans. The excitement is expected to grow as the match progresses, promising a full house if it extends to the final day.

Day One Belonged to India

The opening day of the Leeds Test belonged firmly to India, as the team scored an imposing 359 runs for the loss of just 3 wickets. Shubman Gill remained unbeaten on a brilliant 127 runs, while Rishabh Pant contributed a solid 57 runs. Earlier, KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal laid a strong foundation with 42 and 101 runs respectively. However, debutant Sai Sudarshan couldn’t get off the mark in his first innings.