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Ind vs Eng Day 4 Rahul Pant Shine Tongue Strikes Back

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By Mr.Ashish Singh

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Ind vs Eng Day 4 Rahul Pant Shine Tongue Strikes Back
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Ind vs Eng Day 4 Rahul Pant Shine Tongue Strikes Back

The first Test between India and England at Headingley has lived up to its billing, providing dramatic shifts in momentum, individual brilliance, and the promise of a thrilling final day. With England needing 350 runs and India requiring 10 wickets, day five is poised to be a modern classic. Here’s a detailed analysis of the gripping fourth day.

1. Rahul’s Classical Masterpiece Anchors India’s Second Innings

KL Rahul played a pivotal role in pushing India into a dominant position with a near-flawless 137. After India lost Shubman Gill early in the morning, Rahul combined calmness and class to defy England’s aggressive pace battery. His judgment outside off-stump, combined with immaculate straight and cover drives, showed his mastery in English conditions. Though he was given a life by Harry Brook on 58, he made England pay dearly with his 202-ball ton.

Most catches by Indian wicket keeper in Tests

2. Pant’s Controlled Brilliance Completes a Rare Feat

Rishabh Pant, often described as a maverick, showed maturity in his second innings century. Scoring 118, Pant became only the second player ever to score hundreds in both innings of a Test at Headingley. The left-hander initially struggled for rhythm and was lucky to survive three chances—all off Josh Tongue’s bowling—but once settled, he dominated spin and pace alike. Notably, he took Shoaib Bashir apart, hitting two clean sixes down the ground, before eventually falling trying to up the ante.

3. England’s Bizarre Tactics and Missed Opportunities

Despite a good start with Carse dismissing Gill early, England’s strategy post-lunch puzzled many. With Pant batting and a lead building, England removed slip fielders at a crucial time. This backfired as two edges flew through vacant slip areas, allowing Pant to escape twice more. The missed opportunity to tighten the grip when India were 140 ahead may haunt England if the final day doesn’t go their way.

4. Josh Tongue’s Triple Strike Revives England’s Hopes

Just when India seemed destined for a lead in excess of 400, Josh Tongue turned the match on its head. Bowling with fire and precision, he dismissed Shardul Thakur, Mohammed Siraj, and Jasprit Bumrah in four deliveries. Siraj gloved a rising ball to the keeper, and Bumrah’s stumps were rattled the next ball after surviving a hat-trick delivery. Tongue’s figures of 3-72 reignited England’s chances and kept the target under 375.

Ind vs Eng Day 4 Rahul Pant Shine Tongue Strikes Back
Ind vs Eng Day 4 Rahul Pant Shine Tongue Strikes Back – IMAGE FULL CREDIT ESPN

5. India’s Lower Order Collapse: 6 Wickets for 31 Runs

From 333/4, India were bowled out for 364, losing their last six wickets for just 31 runs. Karun Nair fell for a soft return catch, Rahul dragged on, and Jadeja’s late attempt to shepherd the tail only delayed the inevitable. Prasidh Krishna’s dismissal, caught brilliantly by a tumbling Tongue at deep mid-wicket, signaled the end. The lower-order crumble undid the top-order efforts and left India slightly short of where they could have been.

6. England’s Chase Begins Steady Under Evening Clouds

Set a mammoth 371 for victory, England’s openers Zak Crawley (12*) and Ben Duckett (9*) negotiated the tricky final half-hour confidently. Facing Jasprit Bumrah under overcast skies, the pair showed composure and positive intent. Their brief stand of 21/0 may seem modest but ensured England remained in the game heading into day five with all ten wickets intact.

7. Bumrah Holds the Key on Day Five’s Worn Pitch

With 10 wickets to get and England chasing history, Jasprit Bumrah looms as India’s biggest threat. Having taken five wickets in the first innings, Bumrah’s ability to extract venomous bounce and reverse swing on a deteriorating surface makes him the most dangerous bowler in this contest. India will look to him for early breakthroughs to derail England’s intent-driven batting unit.

8. Weather Could Be the Wildcard in a Four-Result Scenario

The forecast for the final day remains uncertain. With rain predicted in patches, the timing of wickets and momentum shifts could be influenced by weather interruptions. Both sides must also factor in the possibility of reduced overs, which could test England’s attacking philosophy and India’s patience. In this tightly contested match, even 10–15 lost overs could swing the result.

3 Ind Batters with 500 Runs in an Eng Test Series

9. A Battle of Philosophies: Bazball vs Tactical Resilience

England’s chase will be a test not just of skill, but of commitment to their ultra-aggressive ‘Bazball’ approach. With Stokes as captain, England has declared they never play for a draw. However, a total of 371 remains daunting, especially with the pitch misbehaving. Will England attack as usual, or will they alter their game to play out for survival if early wickets fall?

10. Day Five Outlook: A Match for the Ages in the Making

With all four results—India win, England win, draw, or even a tie—technically possible, Headingley promises a grandstand finish. This Test has seen centuries, five-wicket hauls, fielding brilliance and errors, and a see-saw battle of momentum. KL Rahul summed it up perfectly: “It’s a blockbuster finish waiting tomorrow.”

As both teams gear up for a decisive day, cricket fans across the world will be hoping the weather holds and the players deliver one final act in this epic.

Mr.Ashish Singh's avatar

Mr.Ashish Singh

Hi, I'm Ashish Singh, the founder of Cricktab. I'm a huge cricket fan, and I created Cricktab to share the latest news, updates, and insights about the game. My goal is to bring you all the exciting and important cricket information in one place. I hope you enjoy exploring the world of cricket with us at Cricktab!

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