England Sets Stage for Thrilling Final Day Against India in Test Match
Day Four Highlights: England's Steady Start
Leeds [UK], June 23: As England chased a daunting target of 371 runs, Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett ensured they ended day four without losing a wicket, setting the stage for an exciting conclusion to the opening Test against India at Headingley.
Finishing Day 4 at 21 runs without loss in just six overs, Crawley and Duckett remained unbeaten with scores of 12 from 25 balls and 9 from 11 balls, respectively. Their solid performance left England needing 350 runs to secure victory.
In response to the 371-run target, the opening batsmen focused on maintaining their wickets, avoiding risky shots that could lead to a dismissal. Crawley struck back-to-back boundaries off Mohammed Siraj, helping England finish the day on a positive note.
India's Collapse: A Familiar Story
Before England took to the crease, India's batting woes were once again highlighted by the inexperienced pace attack of England. The visitors, who were at 349/6, quickly crumbled to 364, losing their last four wickets in just five overs. The collapse began when Brydon Carse bowled KL Rahul, who scored a commendable 137 runs off 247 balls.
The crowd at Headingley rose to applaud Rahul's impressive innings. Shortly after, Karun Nair's dismissal to Chris Woakes marked the beginning of a batting disaster for India. Josh Tongue then dismissed both Shardul Thakur and Mohammed Siraj in consecutive deliveries, while Jasprit Bumrah managed to survive a hat-trick attempt from Tongue.
Ravindra Jadeja seized an opportunity in the 95th over, hitting a powerful six over the leg-side boundary. He followed this with a four off Tongue, adding crucial runs to India's total.
India's last stand crumbled when Prasidh Krishna, who had been holding one end, attempted to attack England's spinner Shoaib Bashir but fell short, leading to India's innings concluding at 364.
Batting Disparity: A Tale of Two Halves
The stark contrast in performance between India's top five batsmen and the lower order was evident. The top half amassed 721 runs, featuring five centuries, while the bottom six could only contribute 65 runs, compounding India's struggles.
At tea, India stood at 298/4, with KL Rahul (120*) and Karun Nair (4*) not out. Rishabh Pant also made a significant contribution, scoring 118 runs in the second innings, forming a vital 195-run partnership with Rahul.
India began the second session at 153/3, with Pant (31*) and Rahul (72*) still at the crease. The duo launched a counter-attack against the English bowlers, both reaching their centuries, with Pant eventually dismissed for 118 off 140 balls, including 15 fours and three sixes.
Despite Carse's early breakthrough, which saw Shubman Gill dismissed for just eight runs, India managed to establish a solid foundation for an aggressive approach in the remaining match, albeit with some chances given to England.
The final session of day three was interrupted by rain, with Rahul and Gill unbeaten at 6* and 90/2 at the close of play.
Brief Scores: India: 471 and 364 (KL Rahul 137, Rishabh Pant 118, Brydon Carse 2/62) vs England 21/0 (Zak Crawley 12*, Ben Duckett 9*).