India Sets Massive Target for England in Second Test

India Dominates Day 4 of the Second Test

On Day 4 of the second Test against England, India asserted their dominance by declaring their second innings at 427 for 6, setting a daunting target of 608 runs for the hosts. Captain Shubman Gill played a pivotal role with an impressive 161 runs, while Rishabh Pant contributed a brisk 65, leaving England to bat under challenging conditions in Birmingham as daylight faded.

England's response was underwhelming, finishing the day at 72 for 3, still needing 536 runs with only seven wickets remaining. A critical moment came when Joe Root was dismissed, intensifying the pressure on the home team as they faced the final day.

Despite India's strong position, Ravindra Jadeja faced backlash from commentators for his cautious batting during a crucial phase of the innings. Partnering with Gill in the second session, Jadeja appeared hesitant, managing just one boundary off 68 balls before tea. However, he shifted gears dramatically after the break, hitting a massive six off Shoaib Bashir, leaving many puzzled about his earlier restraint.

Former England captain Mike Atherton expressed frustration, stating, 'He should have been doing that before tea,' criticizing Jadeja's slow approach leading up to the declaration.

Nasser Hussain was even more pointed in his critique, suggesting that India might regret not capitalizing on their opportunities if the match becomes competitive on Day 5. 'Very strange. Why does it take a tea interval for a person to say, oh, let’s get on with it?' he remarked, emphasizing the importance of every moment in a Test match.

Jadeja ended the day unbeaten on 69 off 118 balls, contributing valuable runs, but his timing raised questions, especially given India's advantageous position and the urgency to dismiss England quickly.

As Day 5 approaches, India remains the favorite, but all eyes will be on how quickly they can secure victory and whether Jadeja's slow start will impact the outcome.