England are setting their sights on a daring chase against India in the first Test at Headingley, with bowler Josh Tongue asserting that a draw is not even a consideration for the team. Following a dramatic fourth day where Tongue claimed three wickets in four balls, India have set the hosts a target of 371.
England closed day four at 21/0, leaving them needing a further 350 runs on the final day with all ten wickets in hand. While acknowledging the challenge, Tongue expressed confidence in England's batting lineup and their aggressive "Bazball" approach championed by captain Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum.
Tongue highlighted the importance of a positive mindset and the need to absorb pressure from the Indian bowlers before counter-attacking. He drew inspiration from past successful chases at Headingley, including Ben Stokes' remarkable innings against Australia in 2019. He recalled Stokes' "miracle of Headingley," where a heroic century secured a one-wicket victory. Tongue believes there's no reason why England can't replicate such a feat.
India's second innings saw them post 364, aided by centuries from KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant. Rahul exhibited control and precision, while Pant contributed a typically aggressive innings. However, a late collapse saw India lose their last six wickets for just 31 runs, providing England with a glimmer of hope.
Tongue played a key role in this collapse, earning the nickname "the mop" from his Nottinghamshire teammate Ben Duckett, dismissing Shardul Thakur, Mohammed Siraj, and Jasprit Bumrah in quick succession. This performance echoed his first-innings exploits where he also dismantled the Indian tail.
While Tongue acknowledged it was a "shame" he couldn't complete a hat-trick, he emphasized the importance of the first 35-40 minutes of the final day. He believes this period will be crucial in determining the game's direction.
England's confidence is rooted in their recent history of successful run chases. They famously chased down 378 against India at Edgbaston in 2022, losing only three wickets in the process. This victory, achieved in the early days of Stokes' captaincy, serves as a testament to England's belief in their ability to chase down any target.
Despite the optimism, England faces a stern test on the final day. The Headingley pitch is expected to offer some assistance to the spinners, and the weather forecast suggests possible rain interruptions. Overcoming these challenges, along with negating Bumrah's opening spell, will be crucial for England to achieve their ambitious target.
If England succeeds, it would be their second-highest successful Test run chase against India and the second-highest at Headingley. The stage is set for a potentially thrilling final day.