Author: Akshay Published Date: 24 June 2025
A Day of Centuries, Collapses, and High Stakes
Day 4 at Headingley was a cricketing spectacle. India, trailing earlier, counter-punched with stellar centuries from KL Rahul (137) and Rishabh Pant (118), forging a vital 195-run partnership. That resilience helped India post 364, setting England a formidable target of 371. England’s reply saw confident starts from Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett, who reached 21 without loss by stumps, keeping the chase alive in what will go down as a truly captivating Test.
Session 1: Gill’s Wicket, Then Rahul’s Resilience
The day began with a shocker—Shubman Gill, who made a brilliant 147 in the first innings, was trapped lbw early by Brydon Carse. It looked like a hint of chaos, but India quickly steadied.
KL Rahul (137) played with sublime control. After surviving a dropped catch at the gully early, Rahul stayed patient, punishing anything loose, leaving well, and finally reaching his century around lunch. By tea, India led by over 300, thanks to Rahul’s calm mastery and a cautious but purposeful partnership with Karun Nair.
Session 2: Pant’s Panache, Then New-Ball Collapse
Post-tea, Rishabh Pant took over. Blitzing his way to 118, Pant became just the second wicketkeeper after Andy Flower to score twin Test centuries against England. He smashed boundaries, improvised shots, and raised the level of excitement. But with the second new ball, things unraveled. India lost six wickets for 31 runs—Josh Tongue took 3 in 4 balls, cleaning up the tail. Still, India ended strong at 364 all out, giving England a rare chase of 371 in English conditions.
England Opens Cautiously, Stumps at 21/0
England started positively. Duckett and Crawley ensured no early jitters, facing Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj with intent. By stumps, England had 21 runs on the board without loss, with the chase hanging heavily on what tomorrow brings.
Key Moments That Defined Day 4
| Moment | Description |
|---|---|
| Gill’s dismissal | Slew of movement, caught lbw early—set the day’s tone |
| Rahul’s century | Patient 137* off 247 balls, built India’s momentum |
| Pant’s twin century | Flashy 118 with flair, cemented partnership with Rahul |
| Tongue’s three in four balls | Late burst dismantled tail, earning him praise |
| England’s conservative close | Duckett and Crawley ensured a stable finish to Day 4 |
Tactical Analysis: India’s Control
- Balanced approach: Rahul anchored, Pant accelerated, Jadeja added extras—India’s innings had purpose.
- Using a new ball, England’s late burst shifted momentum—they avoided surrender despite the uphill battle.
- Pitch conditions: Headingley’s bounce left troubles overnight, but eased. Tomorrow’s pitch may still aid seamers, though.
What to Expect on Day 5
- England’s mission: Chase 371—only the second-highest successful chase at Headingley. Bold intent declared.
- India’s goals: Aim for early wickets. Bumrah and Siraj, especially early, will look to unsettle England’s openers before cracks appear.
- Weather watch: Forecasted possible showers tomorrow. Interruptions could benefit either team—India might push for a win; England can play safe.
Broader Implications
- Series momentum: India’s fightback shows character—England’s recovery levels up the series.
- Pant’s standing: A wicketkeeper with two Test centuries—rare class.
- Tongue’s rise: Emerging as a genuine tail-warrior for England.
- The pitch test: Headingley is shaping up as a true five-day Test surface—fair, challenging, and thrilling.
Headingley has delivered drama, class, and suspense. Day 4 was evenly contested—India’s batters delivered centuries to set a mammoth chase; England’s bowlers struck late to spark hope. Now England need 371 on Day 5—but with time and wickets in hand, this Test is beautifully balanced.