India made a horror start to the third Test against England, at Leeds, surrendering meekly to the hosts’ pace attack for a mere 78 in the first innings on day 1.
After the Lord's high, it was an absolute low for Virat Kohli and his men as this is India's lowest score on a first day track in the past 34 years. The last time India were all-out for less than 100 on the first day of a Test was back in 1987 when fiery Jamaican Patrick Patterson blew away Dilip Vengsarkar's team, skittling them out for 75 at the Feroz Shah Kotla in New Delhi.
It is now second time in nine months that India have been bowled out for less than 100 after their Adelaide debacle of 36 all out in December last year.
Skipper Kohli’s decision to bat first after winning the toss backfired in spectacular way, with in-form opener K.L. Rahul (0) falling to James Anderson off the fifth ball of the first over of the match.
With Anderson (8-5-6-3) removing Cheteshwar Pujara (1) and Kohli (7), all caught by wicketkeeper Jos Buttler, too, there was hardly any resistance as India lost six wickets for 22 runs in the post lunch session.
Rohit Sharma (19 off 105 balls) and Ajinkya Rahane (18 off 54 balls) were the only ones to reach double digits and the third highest contribution was 16 extra runs.
Craig Overton (3/14 in 10.3 overs), Ollie Robinson (2/16 in 10 overs) and Sam Curran (2/27 in 10 overs) didn't loosen the stranglehold after Anderson's assault as India failed build on a single significant partnership.
In response, England openers Rory Burns (3) and Haseeb Hameed (15) handled the Indian pacers relatively well to take their team to 21/0 at tea on day 1.