In a gripping turn of events at Headingley, Leeds, the fourth day of the first Test between India and England belonged entirely to KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant. Their magnificent centuries ensured India set a daunting 371-run target for the hosts.
While India were tested by England’s pace attack later in the day, the visitors finished with a comfortable hand on proceedings, leaving the home side with a stiff chase and uncertain weather looming over the final day.
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Rahul, Pant Dominate England’s Morning Ambitions
The day began with England’s optimism high, especially after Brydon Carse struck early to send back Indian skipper Shubman Gill. With Shoaib Bashir needing to complete one ball from the overnight over, Carse was handed the fresh red ball. The reward came soon, as Bashir’s fuller delivery sharply cut back, took Gill’s inside edge, and dislodged the stumps.
That was, however, where the cheer ended for England in the first session. Rishabh Pant walked in with attacking intent, wasting no time to stamp his authority by dancing down the track and sending Chris Woakes’ delivery screaming to the boundary. KL Rahul at the other end played the perfect foil, taking his time, weathering the new-ball storm, and guiding the ball with soft hands.
Rahul’s assured approach blended seamlessly with Pant’s aggressive instincts. Although Woakes tested Rahul’s patience with some probing deliveries, Pant took the lead role, forcing the bowlers onto the defensive with calculated aggression. When England’s desperation led to a wasted review against Pant, it was apparent that the home side were searching for inspiration rather than producing it. “Rishabh’s innings was pure entertainment. He knows exactly when to pull the trigger,” remarked former India captain Sunil Gavaskar in the commentary box as Pant began unfurling his array of attacking strokes.
Rahul was handed a reprieve on 58 when Harry Brook failed to latch onto a sharp chance at backward point. This proved costly as Rahul, determined to make the most of his good fortune, dug in deep. His crisp drive through the covers off Ben Stokes served as a testament to his growing confidence.
While the first session yielded only 63 runs, India’s approach was calculated, ensuring that they didn’t squander their slight edge despite England’s probing lines.
Gear Shift Post Lunch: Pant’s Spectacle, Rahul’s Composure
If the first session was India’s safety-first approach, the second was the counterattack phase. Josh Tongue bore the brunt of India’s shift in tempo as Pant unleashed his repertoire of strokes, finding the fence with ease. Rahul, meanwhile, kept rotating the strike with precision.
Pant’s approach after his fifty was a sight to behold. A couple of thunderous sixes off Bashir sent a clear message that the wicketkeeper-batter wasn’t content with a start. What stood out was his ability to shift gears effortlessly — from 45 off 81 balls to scoring 27 runs off his next 11 deliveries. England’s bowlers were left scrambling for answers as the run rate soared.
KL Rahul, playing second fiddle to Pant’s fireworks, crafted his ninth Test hundred with finesse. It was an innings of immense discipline, composure, and supreme balance, particularly against the short ball barrage England offered periodically. His sweep shots and drives pierced the gaps consistently, frustrating England’s attack. “Rahul’s knock was the bedrock today. Classy, composed, and completely in control,” praised former England captain Nasser Hussain on air, summing up the right-hander’s approach perfectly.
As for Pant, the innings turned historic when he reached three figures, making him only the second wicketkeeper after Andy Flower to score centuries in both innings of a Test match. Taking his time in the 90s, he meticulously navigated his way to the landmark, highlighting his growth as a Test batter.
Once at his milestone, Pant didn’t relent. He plundered Joe Root for three consecutive fours and a monstrous six, elevating India’s lead swiftly. His adventurous streak finally caught up with him, attempting another big hit off Bashir, only to find the fielder at long-on.
England’s Fightback With The Second New Ball
Post Tea, India’s innings wobbled. While Karun Nair entertained briefly with a delightful reverse sweep to open his account, England’s second wind arrived with the introduction of the second new ball. Brydon Carse reaped the benefits of extra bounce, drawing an inside edge from Rahul that crashed into the stumps, ending a marathon 137-run knock, which was worthy of applause from both sets of supporters.
Chris Woakes, persisting with tight lines, outfoxed Nair with a tame caught-and-bowled dismissal, and suddenly, England sniffed a lower-order collapse. Josh Tongue then produced the over of the match, scalping three wickets in four deliveries — Thakur caught at slip by Root (making Root the joint highest catcher in Test history alongside Rahul Dravid), and ducks for both Siraj and Bumrah — capping a sensational triple-wicket maiden.
Despite the collapse, Ravindra Jadeja added crucial runs alongside Prasidh Krishna, inching India’s lead closer to the psychological 350 mark before finishing at 371. The final flourish might have been curtailed, but the visitors had imposed their will.
Steady Start For England In Mini-Chase
Faced with a tricky half-hour before Stumps, England’s openers Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett handled the phase with maturity. There were no flamboyant strokes, just simple, solid technique aimed at survival. Their stand of 21 may seem modest, but it kept England in the contest heading into a pivotal fifth day.
With unpredictable weather expected, and a formidable Indian bowling attack lying in wait, England face an uphill battle needing 350 more runs. They can take solace in the fact that they’ve begun without damage, but much hinges on weather patterns and how they tackle India’s varied bowling threat in the morning.
Brief Scores
England 465 & 21/0 (Zak Crawley 12*, Ben Duckett 9*) need 350 to win against India 471 & 364 (KL Rahul 137, Rishabh Pant 118; Brydon Carse 3/80, Josh Tongue 3/72).
What To Expect On Day 5
As Headingley braces for potential rain interruptions, all eyes will be on the forecast. If the skies hold up, an absorbing final day is on the cards. Can England chase 350 more against an Indian bowling carried by Bumrah and the potential spin threat of Jadeja?
Or will Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna exploit the wearing surface to secure a famous win? Either way, fans can expect drama, intensity, and a result that will set the tone for the rest of this riveting five-Test series.
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FAQs
How many runs do England need to win?
England require 350 more runs to win the first Test.
Who scored centuries for India on Day 4?
KL Rahul scored 137, while Rishabh Pant smashed his second century of the match.
What was Rishabh Pant’s historic achievement?
Pant became only the second wicketkeeper to score centuries in both innings of a Test, after Andy Flower.
How did India collapse in the final session?
India lost six wickets for just 48 runs due to brilliant spells from Carse, Woakes, and a devastating over by Josh Tongue.
What’s the weather forecast for Day 5?
Rain is predicted for the final day, potentially impacting play and influencing the result.
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