England Start Chase Cautiously After India Set Stiff Goal in First Check Thriller

Openers Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett, who had a forgettable begin within the first innings, confirmed measured intent beneath fading gentle. Crawley, unbeaten on 12, and Duckett, on 9, negotiated the ultimate overs of the day with out alarm, leaving the Check delicately poised heading into the ultimate day.

Earlier within the day, India appeared set to bat England out of the competition after reaching a commanding 333/4 of their second innings. Nonetheless, a dramatic late collapse noticed the guests lose six wickets for simply 37 runs, finally being bowled out for 364. The sudden slide denied India an opportunity to stretch the goal additional past England’s attain.

The spotlight of India’s innings was an impressive 195-run stand between Rishabh Pant and KL Rahul. Each batters produced dazzling centuries, with Pant rewriting historical past by changing into the primary Asian wicketkeeper-batter to attain two centuries in a single Check match. After his first-innings 134, Pant adopted it up with one other masterclass beneath stress, showcasing his rising stature as a match-winner in red-ball cricket.

KL Rahul, too, was composed and stylish in his method, anchoring the innings by way of England’s temporary spells of resistance. Their partnership laid the muse for a complete that put England on the again foot — till the tail did not wag once more, simply as within the first innings.

For England, the duty forward is monumental. Chasing 371 on a deteriorating Headingley pitch, towards a potent Indian assault, would require each resilience and utility. But when the hosts are to attract first blood on this collection, a particular batting effort awaits on Day 5.

With all three outcomes nonetheless doable, cricket followers can sit up for an exhilarating end to what has already been a gripping contest in Leeds.