IND vs ENG, 1st Test at Headingley – Day 4 Review |KL Rahul and Pant packs!
IND vs ENG – Headingley, Leeds – India’s batsmen rewrote the script on Day 4 of the Anderson–Tendulkar Trophy opener, transforming a modest six-run lead into a daunting 371-run target for England. Resuming their second innings at 90/2, India rode twin centuries from KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant to post 364 before Josh Tongue’s late burst brought them back into contention. By stumps, England’s openers had negotiated the new ball to reach 21/0, still 350 runs shy of victory with two days left in this pulsating contest.
Rahul and Pant Dominate – IND vs ENG
After the lunch break, KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant took command against England’s seam attack. Rahul, in classic elegant fashion, compiled 137 runs—his ninth Test century and eighth overseas ton—featuring crisp drives and patient defence. Pant, undeterred by the pressure, crafted a composed 118, showcasing powerful strokes through the off-side and precise footwork against the moving ball. Their 182-run stand for the third wicket not only erased India’s first-innings deficit but also swung momentum firmly in the tourists’ favour.
Tongue Sparks Late Drama – IND vs ENG
Just as India looked set to post an imposing total, England’s pacer Josh Tongue delivered a dramatic twist. Tongue claimed three wickets in four balls, removing Shardul Thakur, Mohammed Siraj and Jasprit Bumrah in quick succession to expose India’s lower order. His spell of 3/72 curtailed what could have been an even larger lead, injecting fresh hope into the hosts ahead of the final two days.
A Record Fourth-Innings Target – IND vs ENG
India’s 364 in the second innings set England the highest fourth-innings chase at Headingley since 1977. The visitors now require 371 runs to win—a target only once surpassed at this ground. For England, the task is clear: establish a solid opening partnership, then shift gears to maintain a run rate just under four runs per over.
England’s Steady Start IND vs ENG
Under overcast skies and before a packed stadium, England’s openers Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett adopted a cautious approach, seeing off 11 overs without loss. Their defensive technique against the swinging new ball ensured no immediate damage, but they must now balance caution with timely aggression to keep up with the asking rate.
Pitch and Conditions – IND vs ENG
Throughout Day 4, Headingley offered a balanced contest between bat and ball. Early moisture gave way to a batting-friendly surface by afternoon, then reverted to assist seamers late in the day—evident in Tongue’s strike. Forecasts predict intermittent clouds but little chance of rain on Day 5, setting the stage for a classic final-day chase if England can ride out the initial overs.
What Lies Ahead – IND vs ENG
With the series opener finely poised, all focus turns to Tuesday’s decisive sessions. India will look to their premier pace duo—Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj—to exploit any early movement, while England must lean on their experienced batsmen to steady the ship. A thrilling conclusion awaits at Headingley, where the side that seizes the early initiative on Day 5 may write the final chapter in this enthralling Test.
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