Day four of the first Test between England and India at Headingley has begun with India looking to build on their lead of 96 runs. The match is delicately poised, with both teams having opportunities to seize control.
India resumed their second innings at 90 for 2, with KL Rahul (47) and Shubman Gill (6) at the crease. Rahul, in particular, looked composed and elegant on day three, stroking some beautiful drives. India will be aiming to stretch their lead and put themselves in a strong position to push for victory on the final day. A good, long partnership between Rahul and Gill would be crucial for the tourists.
England, on the other hand, will be eager to take early wickets and put pressure on the Indian batting lineup. Considering the length of India's tail, a few quick breakthroughs could see them restrict India to a manageable total.
On day three, England were dismissed for 465 in their first innings, trailing India by just six runs. Ollie Pope scored a century (106), while Harry Brook missed out on his own century by just one run, being dismissed for 99. Jasprit Bumrah was the star performer for India, taking 5 wickets for 83 runs. This was Bumrah's 14th five-wicket haul in Tests and his third in England, equalling Kapil Dev's record for the most five-wicket hauls by an Indian bowler in away Tests. However, Bumrah wasn't helped by his teammates, who dropped a few catches. Prasidh Krishna picked three wickets and Mohammed Siraj scalped two.
India's second innings started poorly with Yashasvi Jaiswal falling early for just 4 runs. However, Rahul and Sai Sudharsan steadied the ship with a 66-run partnership before Sudharsan was dismissed for 30.
Looking back at England's innings, Brook's aggressive approach, which saw him fall for 99 while attempting a pull shot, may be a point of discussion, especially with The Ashes series on the horizon. Some feel he should have reined in his aggression with a century in sight. Ollie Pope, however, will be pleased with his century, especially after a poor series in India in 2024. He emphasized the importance of taking each innings separately and drawing a line under past performances.
The weather forecast for day four indicates a partly sunny morning with a small chance of rain.
The match is currently evenly poised, with both teams having their opportunities. India will be looking to bat well and build a substantial lead, while England will be aiming to restrict India's scoring and chase down a manageable target on day five. The first session of day four will be crucial in determining the course of the Test match.
