In pursuit of a daunting 371-run target, England’s opening pair Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett displayed calm assurance late on Day 4 to keep the hosts in the hunt for a remarkable victory in the opening Test against India at Headingley.
At stumps, England stood at 21 without loss after six overs, with Crawley unbeaten on 12 (25 balls) and Duckett on 9 (11 balls). The duo steered England through the final minutes of the day unscathed, offering hope of a final-day chase that could go down in Test match folklore.
Earlier, India were bowled out for 364 in their second innings, setting England a steep chase. KL Rahul’s sublime 137 (247 balls) was the backbone of India’s innings, earning him a standing ovation from the Headingley crowd. Rishabh Pant had earlier laid the foundation for the innings with a counter-attacking 118 off 140 balls, featuring 15 boundaries and three sixes. The pair stitched a 195-run partnership that steadied India after early wobbles.
However, the familiar frailty in India’s lower order was exposed yet again. From a commanding 349/6, the visitors collapsed to 364 all out within five overs. Brydon Carse triggered the downfall by dismissing Rahul, before Karun Nair’s soft return catch to Chris Woakes opened the floodgates. Josh Tongue then produced a fiery spell, dismissing Shardul Thakur and Mohammed Siraj with consecutive deliveries. Though Jasprit Bumrah denied him a hat-trick, Tongue clean bowled him next ball to wrap up the innings.
Ravindra Jadeja (quickfire 18) attempted to provide late resistance with a six and a four off Tongue, but the tail offered little support. Prasidh Krishna’s attempted big shot off Shoaib Bashir found Tongue in the deep, closing India’s innings.
The stark contrast between India’s top five and bottom six batters was once again evident. While the top order amassed 721 runs across both innings, including five centuries, the lower order could only muster a paltry 65 runs.
England’s bowlers, despite lacking vast experience, showed discipline and intent. Carse and Tongue were instrumental in triggering India’s collapse, while Woakes provided crucial support.
With the pitch showing no major signs of deterioration and a full day’s play expected, all three results remain on the table. England require 350 runs, while India need ten wickets. The final day promises to be a gripping contest between two determined sides.
Brief Scores:
India 471 & 364 (KL Rahul 137, Rishabh Pant 118; Brydon Carse 2/62)
England 21/0 (Zak Crawley 12*, Ben Duckett 9*)
England need 350 more runs to win with 10 wickets in hand.
