Centuries from KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant gave India the upper hand after they posted 364 in their second innings, setting England a steep target of 371. Rahul anchored the innings with a determined 137 off 247 balls, while Pant lit up Headingley with an audacious 118 off 140 deliveries — his second century of the match — becoming the first Indian batter to score twin hundreds in a Test in England and only the second wicketkeeper in men’s Test history to do so, after Zimbabwe’s Andy Flower.
Their 195-run partnership was the backbone of India’s total. They survived a challenging morning session against disciplined England bowling, absorbing pressure and grinding out runs before launching a counterattack after lunch. Rahul’s classic cover drives and Pant’s trademark aggression left England searching for answers.
However, India’s innings once again suffered a lower-order collapse, losing six wickets for 31 runs. Josh Tongue exploited the tail with three wickets in four balls, adding to his seven-wicket match tally.
England’s openers Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett saw out a tricky three-over spell from Jasprit Bumrah and went to stumps at 21 for no loss, still needing 350 runs. With a deep batting line-up and their fearless ‘Bazball’ approach, England remain confident, though history and a deteriorating pitch favour India.
Rahul, reflecting on the pitch, expressed hope that cracks and rough patches would help the spinners and pacers on the final day. He also praised Pant’s free-spirited batting style, calling it India’s X-factor in tight games.
England, meanwhile, will rely on a positive start and the ability of their middle order to counter Bumrah’s pace and Jadeja’s spin. Weather could play a role too, with some rain forecast during the three remaining sessions on Tuesday.
If England do chase down the target, it would set a new record for the highest successful run chase at Headingley. All eyes now turn to Day 5 — can India’s bowlers deliver ten more wickets, or will England script another stunning chase in the ‘Bazball’ era?
A blockbuster final day awaits.
