The fourth day of the first Test between India and England at Headingley was a rollercoaster of emotions, featuring brilliant centuries from KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant, a dramatic batting collapse, and a late fightback from England’s bowlers. India, resuming at 90/2 with a lead of 100 runs, posted 364 in their second innings, setting England a challenging target of 371. At stumps, England were 21/0, with Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett unbeaten, setting the stage for a thrilling final day.
India’s Second Innings: A Tale of Resilience and Collapse
India began Day 4 with Shubman Gill and KL Rahul at the crease, looking to build on their overnight score of 90/2. However, England’s Brydon Carse struck early, dismissing Gill for 2, caught behind by Ben Foakes after a ball seamed in sharply. India were 90/3, and the pressure was on Rahul to anchor the innings.
KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant’s Masterclass
KL Rahul, known for his composure in overseas conditions, delivered a masterclass, scoring 137 off 247 balls with 18 fours. His 9th Test century, and 8th outside Asia, was a testament to his ability to grind out runs against a probing English attack. Rishabh Pant, batting at No. 5, complemented Rahul with an aggressive 118 off 140 balls, including 15 fours and 3 sixes. Pant’s century was his second of the match, making him only the second wicketkeeper, after Andy Flower, to achieve this feat in a Test. His 210 runs in the match set a record for the highest by a designated wicketkeeper in England.
The duo’s 195-run partnership for the fourth wicket took India to 285/4, with the lead swelling past 300. Rahul’s patient approach and Pant’s flair frustrated England’s bowlers, who struggled to break through on a pitch offering little assistance.
Rahul’s Dismissal Triggers Collapse
The turning point came when Rahul, attempting to work a Carse delivery to the leg side, got an inside edge onto his stumps, ending his marathon innings. India were 285/4, and England sensed an opportunity. Pant continued to attack, reaching his century with a boundary off Shoaib Bashir, but his dismissal, caught at mid-off off Bashir for 118, left India at 333/5.
What followed was a stunning collapse. India lost their final six wickets for just 31 runs in 71 balls, bowled out for 364. The lower order, including Srikar Bharat, Ravichandran Ashwin, Shardul Thakur, Mohammed Siraj, and Jasprit Bumrah, crumbled under pressure from England’s bowlers.
Jadeja’s Late Resistance
Ravindra Jadeja, batting at No. 6, provided some resistance with an unbeaten 25 off 40 balls, including a six and two fours. He attempted to shield No. 11 Prasidh Krishna, hitting boundaries to deep square leg and fine leg, but the innings ended with Krishna’s dismissal. Jadeja’s effort ensured India’s lead crossed 370, giving their bowlers a substantial target to defend.
England’s Bowling: Carse and Tongue Shine
Brydon Carse and Josh Tongue were the architects of England’s comeback. Carse, finishing with 3-80, claimed the crucial wickets of Gill and Rahul, with his ability to seam the ball proving decisive. Tongue, nicknamed “The Mop” for his ability to clean up the tail, took 3-72, dismissing Thakur (4), Siraj (0), and Bumrah (0) in a devastating spell, including four wickets in 11 balls.
England’s Second Innings: A Cautious Start
Chasing 371, England sent out openers Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett to face six overs before stumps. India’s pace attack, led by Jasprit Bumrah, probed for early breakthroughs, but Crawley (12* off 25 balls) and Duckett (9* off 11 balls) negotiated the challenge, ending the day at 21/0. With 350 runs still needed and 10 wickets in hand, England face a daunting task, but their openers have given them a platform to build on.
Match Context and Day 5 Preview
India’s first innings total of 421/7 declared gave them a 100-run lead after England were bowled out for 321. The second innings score of 364 set a target of 371, a challenging but not impossible chase on a pitch showing signs of wear. India’s spinners, including Ravichandran Ashwin, are likely to play a key role on Day 5, with the pitch expected to offer turn and variable bounce.
England, meanwhile, will draw inspiration from past successful chases at Headingley, though 371 would be among the highest. The openers’ unbeaten stand provides hope, but they will need significant contributions from their middle order to pull off a historic victory.
Day 4 was defined by the brilliance of Rahul and Pant, whose centuries put India in a commanding position, only for a late collapse to keep England in the game. Carse and Tongue’s bowling heroics ensured the target remained within reach, while Crawley and Duckett’s cautious start sets up an intriguing final day. India hold the upper hand, needing 10 wickets to take a 1-0 series lead, but England’s resilience leaves the match finely poised.
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