Key Points

The first Test between India and England began with a heartfelt tribute to late spinner Dilip Doshi, who passed away at 77. India set England a target of 371, thanks to centuries from KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant. England's openers survived the final overs of Day 4, setting up a thrilling chase. Meanwhile, Josh Tongue's fiery spell saw India collapse from 333/4 to 364 all out.

Key Points: India England Test Honors Late Dilip Doshi with Black Armbands

  • Players observe silence for late Dilip Doshi, 77
  • England chase 371 after India's dramatic collapse
  • KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant hit centuries
  • Josh Tongue's 3-wicket over sparks India's tail-end collapse
3 min read

1st Test: Players wear black armbands to pay tribute to late Dilip Doshi

Players wear black armbands as tribute to Indian cricket legend Dilip Doshi, who passed away at 77, while England chase 371 in a thrilling Headingley Test.

"Both teams are wearing black armbands today in memory of former Indian cricketer Dilip Doshi – BCCI"

Leeds

, June 24 (IANS) Day 5 of the first Test between India and England at Headingley began with players from both sides wearing black armbands to pay tribute to former Indian cricketer Dilip Doshi, who passed away in London, on Monday, at the age of 77 due to heart-related complications.

The match commenced with a two-minute silence followed by a moment’s applause — honouring the life and legacy of one of India’s most refined left-arm spinners.

He is survived by his wife Kalindi, son Nayan Doshi — a former Surrey and Saurashtra cricketer — and daughter Vishakha.

"Both teams are wearing black armbands today in memory of former Indian cricketer Dilip Doshi, who passed away on Monday. The teams also observed a minute's silence before the start of Day 5," BCCI posted on X.

Dilip Doshi, born in Rajkot on December 22, 1947, carved a unique path in Indian cricket. Despite making his Test debut at the relatively late age of 32 in 1979 against Australia, he went on to make a significant impact in a short span. Between 1979 and 1983, Doshi played 33 Tests and 15 ODIs, taking 114 Test wickets at an average of 30.71, including six five-wicket hauls, and 22 wickets in ODIs.

He was equally prolific in the domestic circuit, capturing an incredible 898 first-class wickets from 238 matches.

The focus turned back to the on-field action as Day 5 resumed with the match delicately poised and all three results still possible. England, resuming at 21/0, need 350 more runs to chase down a target of 371, while India require 10 wickets to take a 1–0 lead in the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy series. With rain forecasted, time may become a crucial factor in what has already shaped into a potential classic.

India’s second-innings total of 364 was built around two standout performances — KL Rahul’s elegant 137 and Rishabh Pant’s electric 118, the duo adding a mammoth 195-run stand for the fourth wicket. Rahul batted with control and poise, becoming the only Indian opener to score three Test centuries in England, while Pant mixed grit with flair, reaching his second century of the match, making him the first Indian wicketkeeper to do so in a Test, and equalling the record for most Test hundreds by a visiting keeper in England (4).

However, what looked like a dominant position for India turned dramatically after Pant’s dismissal. From 333/4, India crumbled to 364 all out, losing their final six wickets for just 31 runs in 71 balls. England’s resurgence was led by Josh Tongue, who tore through the tail with a devastating over that saw him claim three wickets in four balls, finishing with 3/72. Ravindra Jadeja was left unbeaten on 25, watching from the other end as the innings collapsed around him.

England’s openers Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett saw off the final six overs of Day 4 confidently, reaching 21 without loss, and now have a massive task ahead — to script one of the most memorable chases in Test history. They’ll be aware that only once have India lost a Test defending more than 350 — and that too came against this very England team during the 2022 Edgbaston Test, where they chased down 378 under the leadership of Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rajesh K.
A true legend of Indian cricket! Dilip Doshi proved that age is just a number when you have talent and determination. His record of 898 first-class wickets is unbelievable. May his soul rest in peace 🙏 The tribute today was very touching.
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Priya M.
Emotional moment seeing both teams pay respects. Doshi sir was part of that golden generation who played cricket with pure passion, not for money or fame. His late debut makes his achievements even more special. Hope young spinners learn from his legacy!
A
Amit S.
While the tribute was beautiful, I wish BCCI had organized something more substantial - maybe a documentary or special segment during the match broadcast. Doshi's contribution deserves more than just armbands. That said, great to see England showing respect too.
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Sunita R.
My father used to tell me stories about watching Doshi bowl in the 80s. His control and flight were magical! Today's spinners could learn so much from him. RIP to a true gentleman of the game. 🇮🇳🏏
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Vikram J.
Doshi's career reminds us that persistence pays off. To debut at 32 and still make such an impact is inspiring! Meanwhile, hope Team India channels some of his fighting spirit today to win this Test match. The collapse yesterday was worrying!
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Neha P.
Beautiful gesture by both teams. Cricket is more than just a game - it's about these moments of shared humanity. Doshi sir's legacy will live on through every young spinner who dreams of playing for India. Let's hope today's play honors his memory with some great cricket!

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