Leeds, June 24: A see-sawing contest at Headingley is heading for a dramatic final day as India, powered by majestic centuries from KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant, set England a daunting 371-run target before a fiery spell from Josh Tongue brought the hosts back into contention in the first Test.
Rahul’s elegant 137 and Pant’s typically audacious 118 had seemingly steered India into a dominant position, laying the foundation for a fourth-day declaration. But just as the visitors looked set to close the door on England, Tongue produced a sensational late burst, taking three wickets in four deliveries, to bowl India out for 364 and revive England’s hopes.
The day ended with England on 21 without loss after six tense overs, with openers Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett negotiating the threat of Jasprit Bumrah and Co. The stage is now set for a thrilling final day, with all four results — an India win, an England win, a draw, or even a tie — still theoretically on the table.
Earlier in the day, Rahul and Pant showcased their class and composure under pressure. The duo added a crucial 195-run stand, effectively absorbing England’s morning burst and counterattacking post-lunch to push India’s lead past 350. Rahul batted with classical precision, while Pant, after a few early jitters, settled into a more measured innings before exploding against spin, including back-to-back sixes off Shoaib Bashir.
Pant became only the second batter to score centuries in both innings at Headingley, and the second wicketkeeper in history to do so in any Test. Rahul, meanwhile, was dropped on 58 by Harry Brook — one of three missed chances by England when Tongue was the bowler.
Despite those errors, England stayed in the game. Tongue returned to blow away the lower order with a hostile spell, claiming the key wickets of Shardul Thakur, Mohammed Siraj, and Jasprit Bumrah in quick succession. His effort ensured India’s last six wickets fell for just 31 runs, keeping the final target within touching distance.
The closing stages saw India trying to squeeze out more runs with Ravindra Jadeja shielding tailender Prasidh Krishna before the innings ended at 364, giving England a challenging — but not impossible — target of 371.Given their attacking mindset under Ben Stokes’ captaincy, England are unlikely to settle for a draw. However, the surface is showing signs of wear, with uneven bounce and sharp movement making survival difficult, especially against a bowler of Bumrah’s calibre.There is also the added complication of unsettled weather on the final day, which could force England into a difficult decision: go all out for the win or play it safe to level the series.
India, for their part, will back their potent attack to deliver the final blow. With Bumrah already troubling the openers in a short burst, and the pitch deteriorating, they will fancy their chances of sealing victory and drawing first blood in the five-match series. (Agencies)
