Last Updated on 3 months by Charbel Coorey

England fans have criticised their team’s bowling in the first innings of the series opener against India at Headingley. After opting to bowl – a decision based on recent history rather than looking at the pitch at hand – England struggled for control and penetration as India piled on the runs.

It speaks volumes that Ben Stokes has been, by far, England’s best and most threatening bowler. Chris Woakes lacked control and Brydon Carse also mixed the good with the bad, while questions intensify regarding Josh Tongue’s readiness for Test cricket at this stage.

The first session on day two was easily England’s best to date. After India plundered 359/3 on the first day, Stokes’ team picked up four wickets before lunch on Saturday. Shubman Gill’s wicket came against the run of play off spinner Shoaib Bashir, while Karun Nair was caught magnificently by Ollie Pope at cover. Tongue had his best moment against Rishabh Pant, causing confusion with a sharp inswinger from around the wicket, before Shardul Thakur threw his wicket away to Stokes in the final over before lunch.

However, despite the fightback which saw India reduced to 454/7, England fans are critical of the makeup of the attack as three Indian players made centuries. While the Headingley track is a belter for batting, the lack of consistency and control – the kind James Anderson provided in spades – was telling. In fact, Anderson has been mentioned across X by fans who believe that England should have a better succession plan in place.

England fans critical of bowling effort in 1st Test against India at Leeds

England’s decision to bowl first came for criticism, as did the bowling performance. “It would be awkward if they had to recall Anderson in the Anderson-Tendulkar cup,” one fan wrote on X, formerly Twitter.

“I still can’t fathom how you’re building for the future dropping Jimmy Anderson and replacing him with 37 year old Chris Woakes,” wrote another fan.

Here are some of the reactions to the England bowling performance.

India begin the second session looking to reach 500 after a terrific start. England will no doubt look to attack with the bat, and it will be fascinating to see what Jasprit Bumrah can get out of the Headingley surface.