India, June 14 -- India's euphoria at having opened up a 1-0 lead at Lord's evaporated rapidly when they were shot out for 78 in the first innings of the next game in Leeds, on the opening day of the third Test. There was no coming back from that epic collapse; England drew abreast with a commanding innings victory, holding the momentum when the action returned to the capital and The Oval.

One of the main reasons for India's sub-par batting efforts at Headingley was the lack of opening alliances. Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul had been excellent in the first two Tests, but managed only stands of 1 and 34 in Leeds. The lack of a meaningful start extended to the first innings at The Oval too. Both fell at the score of 28 and India were rolled o...