IND vs ENG Day 4: India Sets 371 Target, England Steady at 21/0

Image Credit: BCCI

Day 4 of the first Test between India and England at Headingley saw high drama and major momentum shifts, as centuries from Rishabh Pant and KL Rahul powered India to a competitive position before Josh Tongue’s fiery over tilted the balance slightly towards England. At stumps, the hosts were 21/0, chasing a daunting 371-run target with all 10 wickets in hand.

India began the day in a commanding position, thanks to KL Rahul’s fluent 137 and Rishabh Pant’s historic second century of the match. Pant became the first Indian batter to score centuries in both innings of a Test in England, putting on a sensational display of aggressive yet calculated hitting. His efforts, along with Rahul’s composed knock, stretched India’s lead to 304 runs at tea.

However, after the dismissal of Rahul by Brydon Carse and Pant falling just before the tea break, the Indian lower order collapsed.

In reply, openers Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett showed good composure in the final session. Crawley hit back-to-back boundaries off Mohammed Siraj, and Duckett offered steady support. Bumrah and Siraj went wicketless, and Ravindra Jadeja bowled the final over of the day as India introduced spin early.

England ended Day 4 on 21 for no loss in 6 overs, needing 350 runs more on the final day, while India look to make early inroads to defend their lead.