The first Test match between England and India at Headingley in Leeds is finely poised as it heads into Day 4. After three days of fluctuating fortunes, both teams will be eager to seize the initiative. India currently holds a slender lead of 96 runs with eight wickets in hand, setting the stage for a potentially decisive day of cricket.
On Day 3, England responded strongly to India's first-innings total of 471, posting 465. Ollie Pope (106) and Harry Brook (99) led the charge with impressive knocks, while Jasprit Bumrah starred for India with a five-wicket haul (5/83). However, India's sloppy fielding and dropped catches allowed England to stay in the game. India ended day three on 90/2.
The weather forecast for Day 4 at Headingley is promising for uninterrupted play. According to AccuWeather, the morning is expected to be partly sunny and breezy, with a low chance of rain (around 4%) and a cloud cover of 64%. Conditions will remain similar in the afternoon, with temperatures around 18°C, 70% cloud cover, and only a 3% chance of precipitation. While there might be some spotty showers in the evening, significant disruptions are unlikely, and around 80 overs of play are anticipated.
Given the weather conditions, the pitch is expected to remain in good condition for batting, potentially flattening out as the day progresses. This could favor India, who have a good record on the fourth day of Tests, averaging 38.9 in the last few years. India will be looking to KL Rahul (47) and Shubman Gill (6) to build a substantial lead and put England under pressure.
However, England's bowlers will be aiming for early breakthroughs to tilt the balance in their favor. Ben Stokes and Brydon Carse will be key, looking to exploit any uneven bounce or movement on offer. England will be seeking regular wickets, aware that India's middle-lower order collapsed in the first innings.
Both teams will be looking to capitalize on the conditions and gain the upper hand. India will aim to build a lead of over 275 runs to put England under pressure, while England will be hoping to restrict India's scoring and chase down any target.
With the weather set fair and the match delicately poised, Day 4 of the first Test between England and India promises to be a thrilling contest.
