England vs India Test Highlights: Day 4 Sets Up a Riveting Finale at Headingley
The England vs India Test highlights from Day 4 at Headingley offered an intense blend of class, collapse, and calculated resistance—setting up what promises to be a thrilling finale on Day 5. After a day dominated for the most part by KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant, India found themselves in a strong position, but a late collapse handed England a lifeline. With a target of 371 runs, England finished the day at 21/0, keeping hopes alive for a remarkable chase. England vs India Test Highlights
As the sun set over Headingley, both teams stood with everything to play for—India pushing for a historic win overseas, and England looking to stage a famous comeback. Here’s a detailed look at the standout moments and turning points that made Day 4 a pivotal chapter in this gripping Test. England vs India Test Highlights
India’s Morning Surge: Rahul and Pant Shine
India began Day 4 with a lead of 211 and two set batters at the crease—KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant. With conditions still favoring batting and England’s bowlers searching for breakthroughs, the pair took full advantage. Rahul resumed with calm authority, steadily building his innings and rotating strike effectively. His partnership with Pant flourished as the two played in perfect harmony—Rahul anchoring the innings and Pant adding urgency with controlled aggression. England vs India Test Highlights
Pant reached his century first, his innings marked by audacious drives, clever nudges, and smart running. The wicketkeeper-batter, often criticized for recklessness, struck the perfect balance between flair and maturity—making his 118-run knock one of his best in Test cricket. Rahul, meanwhile, registered a patient yet classy 122, showcasing his adaptability in tough conditions. England vs India Test Highlights
Their 200-run stand frustrated the English bowlers and silenced the crowd, pushing India’s lead well past 300, which seemed like a match-defining moment at that stage.
🏏 England’s Comeback: Second New Ball Turns the Tide
Just when it looked like India might run away with the game, England found their moment—thanks largely to the second new ball. The pacers, particularly Josh Tongue and Brydon Carse, exploited the extra bounce and movement to break the dangerous partnership. England vs India Test Highlights
Carse struck first, getting rid of Pant with a short-pitched delivery that the batter could only top-edge to midwicket. Tongue soon followed up by dismissing Rahul with a fuller ball that trapped him LBW. What followed was a familiar Indian collapse, with the last six wickets falling for just 61 runs.
Both Carse and Tongue ended with three wickets each, while veteran Chris Woakes picked up two, including a crucial breakthrough of Ravindra Jadeja. The collapse denied India the chance to set a target beyond 400 and breathed life into England’s dressing room. England vs India Test Highlights
🧮 India All Out for 364: Target Set at 371
India’s innings wrapped up at 364, setting England a stiff but not impossible target of 371 runs. It’s worth noting that Headingley has seen successful chases before—most memorably when Ben Stokes pulled off a miraculous chase of 359 against Australia in 2019. The pitch, though showing signs of wear, was still playable, and India needed to be at their best with the ball.
🏃♂️ England’s Openers Hold Steady: A Disciplined Start
With a challenging chase ahead, England’s opening pair of Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett had a task cut out—survive the final overs of Day 4 without damage. Facing the new ball under evening skies against Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj was no small ask. England vs India Test Highlights
To England’s delight, both batters showed discipline and focus. Crawley was the more aggressive of the two, striking two crisp boundaries off Siraj to get the scoreboard moving. Duckett, meanwhile, batted with caution, ensuring he wasn’t drawn into any false strokes.
The pair safely negotiated six testing overs, taking England to 21/0 at stumps, needing 350 more runs with all 10 wickets in hand heading into Day 5. It was a composed start that has kept both teams in the hunt.
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