Leeds, June 23 (Day 4 Report) — The fourth day of the India vs England 1st Test at Headingley delivered a gripping chapter in what is shaping up to be a thrilling start to the Anderson–Tendulkar Trophy. India put up a brave fight, riding on brilliant centuries from KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant, but a dramatic late collapse left England needing 371 runs to win the match.
By stumps, England had reached 21/0, with Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett safely negotiating the last few overs. The game now heads into an exciting fifth day, with all three results still possible.
Rahul and Pant Lead India’s Comeback
India began the day under pressure at 90/2, leading England by 96 runs in their second innings. But what followed was a resilient counterattack. KL Rahul, who looked composed throughout, led the charge with a well-paced 137, and Rishabh Pant added flair with a dynamic 118. Together, the duo added a crucial 195-run partnership for the fourth wicket, which turned the match on its head.
Rahul’s Steady Hundred
Rahul’s innings was a blend of discipline and determination. He played the new ball cautiously, rotated strike regularly, and punished loose deliveries. His century marked his third Test hundred in England, making him the first Asian opener to achieve this milestone.
| KL Rahul’s Test Hundreds in England |
|---|
| 149 – Oval (2018) |
| 129 – Lord’s (2021) |
| 137 – Headingley (2025) |
His ability to play late and leave well outside off stump helped him blunt the English seamers, especially under overcast skies.
Pant’s Explosive Century
On the other end, Rishabh Pant brought his typical aggressive flair. He reached his hundred in just 123 balls, striking boundaries all over the park. Notably, this was his second century of the match, following his 102 in the first innings. That achievement put him in elite company, only the second wicketkeeper in Test history (after Andy Flower) to score centuries in both innings of a match.
Collapse That Changed the Momentum
From a strong position at 287/4, India suddenly lost their way. The collapse began with Rahul’s dismissal, caught behind trying to cut a wide delivery from Brydon Carse. Then came a devastating spell from Josh Tongue, who removed Jadeja, Bumrah, and Siraj in quick succession.
India’s last six wickets fell for just 31 runs, and they were bowled out for 364, setting England a target of 371 to win.
Bowling Summary – England’s Key Performers
| Bowler | Overs | Maidens | Runs | Wickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Josh Tongue | 15 | 2 | 57 | 4 |
| Brydon Carse | 16 | 1 | 64 | 2 |
| James Anderson | 20 | 5 | 55 | 1 |
| Jack Leach | 23 | 3 | 79 | 2 |
Tongue’s late spell stood out. The 26-year-old seamer bowled with pace and aggression, exploiting variable bounce and keeping India’s lower order under constant pressure.
England’s Chase – A Record in Sight
By the close of play, England had safely moved to 21 without loss, needing 350 more runs on the final day. Historically, chasing over 350 in the fourth innings has rarely been successful. The highest successful chase at Headingley remains 404 by Australia in 1948, followed by 359 by England in 2019 against Australia.
| Top 4th Innings Chases at Headingley |
|---|
| 404 – Australia vs England, 1948 |
| 359 – England vs Australia, 2019 |
| 296 – England vs New Zealand, 1965 |
With Ben Duckett and Zak Crawley at the crease and a deep batting lineup to follow, England will be optimistic but aware of the challenge. India, meanwhile, will look to spinners like Ravindra Jadeja and the reverse swing of Jasprit Bumrah to make inroads.
Pitch Report and Conditions
The Headingley pitch has started to show signs of wear. There is variable bounce and increasing assistance for spinners. While seamers are still getting movement, especially with the old ball, the rough patches outside the left-hander’s off stump will bring Jadeja into play.
The weather forecast for Day 5 is clear, meaning a full day’s play is expected. That sets the stage for a potential thriller, with both teams still in the contest.
The Anderson–Tendulkar Trophy Gets a Fitting Start
The inaugural Anderson–Tendulkar Trophy, named after two legends of modern cricket, has already lived up to its billing. This opening Test has seen:
- Four innings with centuries (Root, Pant x2, Rahul)
- A near 200-run partnership
- A dramatic collapse
- Momentum swinging back and forth across four days
If Day 5 delivers even half the drama, this could go down as a modern classic.
Key Stats from India vs England 1st Test Day 4
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| India 2nd Innings Total | 364 all out |
| Top Scorer – India | KL Rahul (137) |
| 2nd Top Scorer – India | Rishabh Pant (118) |
| England’s Target | 371 |
| England at Stumps (Day 4) | 21/0 |
| Rahul–Pant Partnership | 195 runs |
| Wickets Lost in Collapse | 6 for 31 runs |
| Best Bowling – England | Josh Tongue (4/57) |
What to Expect on Day 5
- India’s strategy: Attack early with Bumrah and Siraj, then introduce spin pressure through Jadeja.
- England’s goal: Bat time, keep wickets in hand, and slowly build toward the target.
- Key battles:
- Crawley vs Bumrah’s new-ball spell
- Root and Bairstow’s approach against Jadeja
The match remains finely poised. For England, a successful chase would be historic. For India, ten disciplined wickets could seal a statement win away from home.
Final Thoughts
The India vs England 1st Test Day 4 was a rollercoaster of emotions and high-class cricket. The Anderson–Tendulkar Trophy has kicked off in style with a contest that honours the legacy of two giants. As the teams return for the final showdown on Day 5, fans across the world will be watching every ball with bated breath.
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