Test Match Breakfast: Headingley has a new hero and how Shubman Gill broke the rules
Test Match Breakfast takes a look at some of the biggest issues around cricket during England's huge first Test against India at Headingley. England fought back with an Ollie Pope century, ending day two at 209-3, after India dominated day one.
Ahead of day three, DAVID COVERDALE discusses Headingley's new hero, Rishabh Pant's stunning celebrations and why India captain Shubman Gill's attire sparked plenty of conversation
Headingley's new hero
After being given the backing of Ben Stokes and England, Ollie Pope has also now won over the hard-to-please folk of Yorkshire.
It was notable that the Surrey star was serenaded by fans at Headingley on Saturday as he neared his century, even if his song of 'Ollie, Ollie Pope' lacked creativity.
There was even the sighting of a group of blokes dressed in pope costumes in the Western Terrace. It appears Headingley has a new hero.
Crowd-pleaser Rishabh Pant celebrates in style... again
Rishabh Pant produced perhaps the most elaborate century celebration in Test match history when he performed a somersault in the middle.
'Rishabh's celebration is as entertaining as his batting!' wrote India icon Sachin Tendulkar on X.
However, it is not the first time crowd-pleaser Pant has celebrated in such style.
The India wicketkeeper also marked his 54-ball hundred for Lucknow Super Giants in the IPL last month with a front flip, a moment which went viral.
It appears Pant's party trick is here to stay – and cricket is all the better for it.
Shubman Gill breaks the rules... with his socks
Shubman Gill's black socks provoked plenty of conversation on the first day of the Test. 'Very natty,' commented Mail Sport columnist David 'Bumble' Lloyd, while Mark Butcher called them 'village'.
It now turns out, however, that the India captain actually broke ICC rules by wearing them.
The global governing body's clothing regulations state that players are only permitted to wear white, cream or light grey socks in Test matches. Sanctions for breaching the rules include a formal warning or a deduction of up to 20 per cent of the player's match fee.
Someone clearly had a word in Gill's ear on Friday night, as he resumed his innings on Saturday wearing white socks.
Karun Nair's unhappy return
A penny for the thoughts of Karun Nair.
The India batsman – who hit an unbeaten 303 against England in 2016 - has had to wait seven years for another Test chance.
Yet having watched three of his team-mates hit centuries in India's first innings, when Nair got his long-awaited opportunity at the crease, he was dismissed for a fourth-ball duck.
Mark Wood on commentary duty
Mark Wood is a man in demand here at Headingley.
The injured England bowler will not be available to play against India until the final Test at best.
However, Wood has been making the most of his time away from the middle by trying his hand at commentary.
The 35-year-old was part of the BBC Test Match Special team on Friday. Then on Saturday, he switched from radio commentary to TV, calling an international match on Sky Sports for the first time.
The charismatic Wood, who also hosts his own podcast, has long been one of the most media-friendly players in the England dressing room.
And the Durham paceman is sure to have plenty of offers of work when he hangs up his bowling boots in the not-too-distant future.
Harry Brook left in a heap
Getting roughed up by the India bowlers is one thing. Taking a blow from your own team-mate is another.
Harry Brook was minding his own business when Ben Duckett fielded Pant's edge off Shoaib Bashir.
But when Duckett picked the ball up and rifled it towards the stumps, Brook was in the direct path of the throw and was struck flush on his back, leaving him in a heap.
England players initially looked concerned, while India's stars winced up on the Headingley balcony.
Fortunately, Brook was soon back on his feet and laughing about the incident, even if he did rush off the field for treatment.
Ben Stokes eats rabbit pie
For Josh Tongue, it was the feast after the famine. Having toiled away without success on Friday, the England quick picked up four quick wickets to mop up India's tail on Saturday.
When Tongue clean bowled No11 Prasidh Krishna to end India's first innings, his captain Ben Stokes mimicked an eating motion, leaving commentators confused.
It was left to Broad on Sky Sports to explain that Stokes' gesture meant 'eating rabbit pie', i.e. knocking over the lower order.
Dickie Bird's golden anniversary
Yorkshire legend Dickie Bird was given a huge ovation by the Headingley crowd when he was shown on the big screen during the second day's play.
The iconic umpire's appearance here was not significant in itself - he always takes his seat in the pavilion during an England Test match.
It was, though, a special day for Bird as July 21 marked the 50th anniversary of the first-ever Cricket World Cup final at Lord's, which he umpired
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The Independent
34 minutes ago
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Powys County Times
35 minutes ago
- Powys County Times
Former England bowler David Lawrence dies aged 61 after MND battle
David 'Syd' Lawrence, the first British-born black cricketer to play for England, has died at the age of 61. It was revealed almost exactly a year ago that Lawrence, who took 18 wickets in five Tests for England between 1988 and 1992, was the latest sportsperson to be diagnosed with motor neurone disease. The announcement was in the same month ex-England and Leeds rugby league great Rob Burrow died after a long battle with the incurable illness, which progressively damages parts of the nervous system. A statement from Lawrence's family given to the PA news agency said: 'It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Dave Lawrence MBE following his brave battle with motor neurone disease. ''Syd' was an inspirational figure on and off the cricket field and no more so than to his family who were with him when he passed. 'A proud Gloucestershire man, Syd took on every challenge with everything he could and his final contest with MND was no different. His willingness to encourage and think of others right up to the end was typical of the man he was.' As well as his six outings for England – having played a lone ODI against the West Indies at Lord's in 1991, collecting four for 67 – Lawrence bagged 625 wickets in 280 matches for Gloucestershire. A strapping fast bowler who was renowned for being one of the quickest on the county circuit, Lawrence began to establish himself in Tests and a five-for against the West Indies in 1991 helped England seal a series-levelling win at the Oval, with Desmond Haynes and Viv Richards among his haul. Gloucestershire Cricket is devastated to learn of the passing of former player and Club President, David 'Syd' Lawrence MBE, aged 61. Everyone at Gloucestershire Cricket would like to send their best wishes to David's family during this terribly sad time. — Gloucestershire Cricket 🏆 (@Gloscricket) June 22, 2025 But Lawrence's career all but ended the following year as he badly fractured his kneecap after falling awkwardly when running into bowl on the final day of a Test against New Zealand in Wellington. His England days were immediately over aged 28 but he made a brief county comeback in 1997, playing four first-class games for Gloucestershire before hanging up his boots – 16 years after he first played professionally. Lawrence became a competitive bodybuilder following his retirement and he was also a nightclub owner in Bristol. After Lawrence detailed his experiences of racism during his playing career, Gloucestershire issued an unreserved apology in September 2021 and six months later he became the county's first black president. The county side posted on X: 'Gloucestershire are devastated to learn of the passing of former player and club president, David 'Syd' Lawrence MBE, aged 61. 'Everyone at Gloucestershire would like to send their best wishes to David's family during this terribly sad time.' Following his MND diagnosis, there were emotional scenes when Gloucestershire went all the way in the T20 Blast last year, with captain James Bracey presenting the trophy to Lawrence at Edgbaston. Lawrence's family statement added: 'As president of Gloucestershire County Cricket Club, Syd took on the role with incredible pride and passion and loved every minute of it. 'Syd's wife Gaynor and son Buster thank everyone for the kindness and support that has been shown to them and the family so far and would ask that they are now given some time and space to grieve in private.' Only last week, Lawrence received an MBE in the King's Birthday Honours for his outstanding services to cricket, while he had been working to raise money and awareness of his condition. He said: 'It is an incredibly proud moment. It is not something that I ever thought would sit after my name, but I am absolutely delighted that it will do so for however long I am here and will be a part of my legacy when I am gone.' Lawrence's MND diagnosis hastened his autobiography as he worried he would lose the ability to speak. Titled 'In Syd's Voice', written with the help of Dean Wilson, the book was published this month. England and Wales Cricket Board chair Richard Thompson said on the governing body's website: 'David 'Syd' Lawrence was a true trailblazer of English cricket and a man of immense courage, character, and compassion. Everyone at the ECB is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of David 'Syd' Lawrence MBE. All of our thoughts are with David's family and friends during this difficult time. — England Cricket (@englandcricket) June 22, 2025 'His impact on the game extended far beyond the boundary ropes. As a fast bowler, he thrilled crowds with his pace and passion. As a leader and advocate, he broke barriers and inspired change, becoming a powerful voice for inclusion and representation in our sport. 'Even in the face of his illness, David showed extraordinary strength and dignity, continuing to uplift others with his resilience and spirit. He leaves behind a legacy that will endure in the hearts of all who love cricket. 'Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and the entire cricketing community at this time.'
