It’s been a gripping Test match between England and India at Headingley, but day three brought more than just big runs and wickets.
From a heartbreaking near-century to emotional tributes and some eyebrow-raising punditry, the day had a bit of everything.
As the fourth day approaches, India holds a 96-run lead after reaching 90-2 in their second innings.
But let’s unpack all the off-field and on-field moments that lit up Sunday’s play.
Emotional Farewell to a Cricket Warrior
Before the first ball was bowled on day three, the ground paused to remember David ‘Syd’ Lawrence, a former England and Gloucestershire fast bowler who passed away on Saturday after battling motor neurone disease.
Both England and India players joined fans in a touching minute’s applause.
Lawrence, 61, was more than just a stats sheet — although 515 first-class wickets and five Test appearances say plenty.
He was a beloved figure in the cricketing community and had just received an MBE in the King’s birthday honours.
In tribute, Gloucestershire turned their home T20 fixture into a pink-themed awareness night, raising funds and attention for the illness Lawrence fought so bravely.
Eddie Jack Gives a Glimpse of the Future
Teenage pacer Eddie Jack made headlines of his own.
Despite not having a single County Championship wicket to his name, he was called into the England squad last week — and now we know why.
Back playing for Hampshire, Jack delivered a beauty of a short ball that dismissed Essex’s Jordan Cox for a duck.
The delivery caused a stir on social media, with replays showing it climbing sharply and flicking the bat’s shoulder before flying into the slips.
It’s clear England are excited about this 19-year-old from Dorset.
His invitation to join the national squad, even briefly, speaks volumes about the promise he holds.
Gavaskar’s Comments Stir Up Laughter and Debate
Sunil Gavaskar, the legendary Indian batsman, might be drifting into “comic relief” territory with his punditry lately.
His flip-flop on Rishabh Pant — from “stupid, stupid, stupid” last year to “superb, superb, superb” after Pant’s seventh Test ton — had fans chuckling.
But his more serious rant about the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy raised a few eyebrows.
In his Mid-day column, Gavaskar insisted Sachin’s name should come first, calling the current order “jarring” and even urging fans and Indian media to call it the Tendulkar-Anderson Trophy instead.
His argument? Tendulkar is not just older and more decorated than Anderson but also won a World Cup and dominated across formats — whereas Jimmy, though brilliant, didn’t quite match up outside English conditions.
In classic Sunny fashion, he delivered his case with just enough over-the-top drama to make it feel more like a stand-up routine than serious critique.
Brook’s Brutal Heartbreak at 99
Harry Brook came agonisingly close to a career highlight but fell just one run short of a Test century.
His 99 on Sunday helped England post a strong 465 in their first innings, but that single missing run will sting for a while.
It’s the first time in eight years an England batter has been dismissed on 99 in a Test match.
The last? Another Yorkshireman — Jonny Bairstow — back in 2017 at Old Trafford against South Africa.
Bairstow, by the way, has suffered this fate twice.
In the 2023 Ashes, he was again left stranded on 99, helplessly watching as Jimmy Anderson was dismissed at the other end.
Visa Troubles Halt Shafique’s County Plans
Meanwhile, Yorkshire faced their own frustrations.
Abdullah Shafique, the talented Pakistan opener, couldn’t take the field in their County Championship clash at Trent Bridge. The reason? A delayed visa.
Shafique was brought in on a short-term deal to cover a few Vitality Blast games and two red-ball fixtures.
But thanks to bureaucratic delays, his four-day availability has been halved.
The plan was to play him alongside Kiwi seamer Will O’Rourke against table-toppers Nottinghamshire — but now the county must shuffle their plans.
What’s Next?
As Headingley gears up for day four, India has the upper hand — but England has the momentum and belief.
Will Brook’s near-miss be a footnote in a comeback victory, or will India pile on the lead and push for dominance?
Whatever unfolds, one thing is certain: this Test match has delivered far more than just runs and wickets — it’s telling stories, stirring emotions, and giving fans plenty to talk about.