In a gripping penultimate day of the first Test at Headingley, India, riding on commanding centuries by KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant, set England a challenging 371-run target. The visitors posted 364 runs in their second innings before suffering another dramatic collapse, similar to their first innings, that curtailed their momentum. However, the highlight of the day was the batting brilliance of two key players—Pant and Rahul—whose contrasting styles dazzled fans and frustrated the English bowlers.

The day ended with England at 21/0, as openers Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett successfully survived a potentially tricky final session, especially against the fiery pace of Jasprit Bumrah. The fifth day promises an exciting finish with all three results still possible—an India win, an England chase, or a rain-induced draw.

Rahul and Pant: Twin Pillars of India’s Second Innings

KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant took charge in India’s second innings after a wobbly start. With Yashasvi Jaiswal departing early, it was up to the experienced duo to not only stabilize the innings but to push the lead beyond England’s reach. Rahul’s innings was defined by patience, elegance, and placement. He scored 137 off 247 balls, registering his third Test century as an opener in England, more than any other Indian.

Pant, on the other hand, was audacious. He blasted 118 from just 140 deliveries, attacking from the outset and putting the pressure back on the English bowlers. His knock made him only the second wicketkeeper-batter in Test history to score centuries in both innings of a Test match—joining an elite club and further enhancing his reputation as a game-changer.

Together, they added crucial runs in the second session, where India scored 155 runs for the loss of just one wicket. Their partnership appeared to have set the stage for a total in excess of 400, but things unraveled swiftly.

Another Indian Collapse: England’s Fightback in Final Session

What followed after Pant’s dismissal was a now-familiar collapse, a pattern that mirrored India’s first innings. From 333/4, the Indian team crumbled to 364 all out, losing their final six wickets for just 31 runs. England, showing discipline with the ball and sharpness in the field, capitalized quickly.

The session highlighted England’s capacity to stage comebacks. Earlier in the match, India had collapsed from 430/3 to 471 all out in the first innings—losing seven wickets for 41 runs. The Day 4 collapse was eerily similar and prevented India from setting an even more daunting target.

England's Openers Stand Firm at Stumps

With 40 minutes left in the day, England’s task was simple—survive without losing wickets. Facing a new-ball assault from Bumrah and Siraj, Zak Crawley (12) and Ben Duckett (8)** showed solid technique and temperament. The pitch offered little assistance to the bowlers, making their job a bit easier. Still, the composure with which the openers negotiated India’s attack speaks volumes about England’s intent heading into Day 5.

England will resume needing 350 more runs to chase down the total. With all 10 wickets intact and the pitch not deteriorating drastically, the hosts still have a faint chance, albeit a steep one, to pull off a historic run chase.

Weather Watch: Rain Could Play Spoilsport

According to forecasts, rain is expected on Day 5, potentially reducing the number of overs and increasing the likelihood of a draw. This weather threat looms large as both teams eye a decisive result. For India, wickets will be key, while for England, it’s about building partnerships and surviving the spells from Bumrah, Siraj, and Jadeja.

Match Summary at End of Day 4

• India 1st Innings: 471 (Jaiswal 134, Gill 121, Pant 104)

• England 1st Innings: 465 (Brook 117, Pope 109)

• India 2nd Innings: 364 (Rahul 137, Pant 118; England took 6/31 at the end)

• England 2nd Innings (Stumps Day 4): 21/0 (Crawley 12*, Duckett 8*)

Target for England: 371

Key Stats and Records

• KL Rahul now holds the record for most Test centuries by an Indian opener in England (3).

• Rishabh Pant became the second wicketkeeper-batsman in history to score centuries in both innings of a Test match.

• India's collapse from 333/4 to 364 all out is their second batting collapse in the same Test, mirroring the earlier fall from 430/3 to 471.

• Joe Root, in the same match, equaled Rahul Dravid's record of 210 outfield catches in Test cricket.

Looking Ahead: Final Day Predictions

• India’s Win Scenario: Bowl England out in under 100 overs. The key lies with Bumrah’s early breakthroughs and spin from Jadeja in the final session.

• England’s Win Scenario: Survive the first hour, avoid collapse, and let Root, Brook, and Bairstow anchor the chase.

• Draw Scenario: Rain delays or a resilient England batting line-up could keep the match evenly poised and unresolved.

This Test match at Headingley has lived up to the billing of a true classic. With fluctuating momentum, individual brilliance, nail-biting collapses, and the looming specter of rain, the fifth day promises a thrilling climax—if weather permits.

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