Can India Overcome the Odds? A Nail-Biting Finish Awaits on Day Five at Lord's

India's Struggle on Day Four at Lord's

London: On the fourth day of the Lord's Test, Washington Sundar's impressive four-wicket haul put India in a promising position, but the batting lineup faltered, ending the day at 58 for four while chasing a target of 193 on a pitch that was rapidly deteriorating.

Following the pacers' solid performance, Washington's off-spin proved crucial, helping India dismiss England for 192 in the final session.

Mohammed Siraj made significant contributions in the morning, while Jasprit Bumrah returned to clean up the tail.

At the end of the day, India found themselves struggling at 58 for four, having lost key players including Yashasvi Jaiswal, Karun Nair, captain Shubman Gill, and night watchman Akash Deep.

The crowd rallied behind the home team, turning each delivery into a spectacle.

India mirrored England's tactics by deliberately slowing down the game with K L Rahul (33 off 47) and Akash at the crease.

Ben Stokes bowled Akash on what became the last ball of the day, setting the stage for an exciting conclusion on day five.

Jaiswal failed to connect with a fast short ball from Jofra Archer, while Nair (14 off 33) once again couldn't capitalize on his start, getting trapped in front by Brydon Carse after misjudging the delivery.

Carse then claimed the vital wicket of Gill, who was given out leg before wicket to a sharply incoming ball.

Carse had been consistently challenging Gill during that over and was rewarded for his persistence.

Rahul was nearly dismissed as well, but Chris Woakes dropped a catch off his own bowling.

Rahul's cover drives have been exceptional throughout the series, showcased in the final hour against both Woakes and Archer.

Indian pacers generated awkward bounce from the Nursery End, while their English counterparts, except for Stokes, struggled to find the same assistance as play concluded.

After three days of play, both teams were evenly matched, with India equaling England's first innings total of 387, but England had taken a slight lead on Saturday.

In the afternoon session, Washington's two crucial wickets set England back, leaving them at 175 for six at tea.

Joe Root (40 off 96) and Stokes (27 off 83) showed resilience on a challenging pitch, frustrating India with a 67-run partnership before Washington dismissed Root and the dangerous Jamie Smith (8 off 14).

The Indian spinners finally found their rhythm, with Ravindra Jadeja and Washington benefiting from the pitch conditions.

After surviving a close DRS call for leg before wicket off Siraj, Root attempted to sweep Washington but ended up losing his wicket.

Smith followed soon after, playing a poor shot that resulted in his off-stump being knocked out.

In the first two hours of play, Siraj excelled on the crumbling pitch, reducing England to 98 for four by lunch.

Following a dramatic final over on day three, the intensity remained high as both teams entered day four.

Siraj, who thrives in competitive situations, was energized after dismissing Ben Duckett from the Pavilion End. He adjusted his line to target the stumps and claimed another wicket with Ollie Pope.

With bowlers receiving more assistance from the Nursery End, Siraj delivered an outstanding spell of seven overs, taking two wickets for just 11 runs.

Bumrah opened the bowling alongside Siraj, troubling Zak Crawley, who had narrowly survived Bumrah's fiery over on Saturday.

The odd ball was bouncing unpredictably at the Nursery End, with Bumrah managing to get one to rise and hit Crawley's bat handle, adding to the excitement at a packed Lord's.

Gill replaced Bumrah with Nitish Reddy, who, after taking two wickets in the first innings, dismissed Crawley for the second time in the match.

With the wicket-keeper backing up, Reddy pitched one up, and Crawley attempted a drive, only to be caught at gully by Jaiswal, who finally held onto a catch.

With the ball offering assistance from both ends, Harry Brook (23 off 19) decided to attack, hitting Akash for two ramp shots before launching a six over mid-off.

However, Akash continued to target the stumps and was rewarded when Brook missed a sweep, resulting in his middle stump being shattered.