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KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant Shine with Centuries, Set England a Daunting 371-Run Target in Headingley Test
India Builds Massive Lead on Penultimate Day in Leeds
Leeds, June 24 – KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant delivered sensational centuries on Day 4 of the first Test at Headingley, setting up a commanding 371-run target for England. Despite losing skipper Shubman Gill early in the day, the Indian middle order dominated proceedings, with Rahul and Pant stitching a monumental 195-run partnership for the fourth wicket to put India firmly in control.
By Stumps, England had safely negotiated the first few overs of their chase, reaching 21 without loss, but still face the uphill task of scoring 350 more runs on the final day to secure a victory. With rain forecasts likely to interfere on the fifth day, India hold a strategic edge heading into the final stretch.
Rahul and Pant Dominate Middle Sessions with Contrasting Styles
Early Loss Doesn’t Deter Indian Momentum
India began Day 4 with a slender lead and one ball left in Shoaib Bashir’s overnight over. That lone delivery produced instant impact, as Shubman Gill was bowled by a sharp inswinger from Brydon Carse. However, any hopes England had of building pressure were short-lived.
Pant, walking in early, counterattacked from his second ball by smashing Chris Woakes down the ground. KL Rahul, anchoring the innings from the other end, reached his first fifty of the series. While Rahul stayed composed against swing and bounce, Pant kept the scoreboard ticking with bold strokeplay.
England’s bowlers, particularly Woakes and Tongue, attempted to disrupt the rhythm, but Pant’s aggression and Rahul’s calmness maintained India’s dominance. Rahul survived a close call on 58 when Harry Brook dropped an overhead catch at third man.
India’s Twin Centurions Lead the Charge
Historic Feat for Pant, Ninth Test Ton for Rahul
After a conservative first session, India opened up in the second. Josh Tongue faced Pant’s onslaught, while Rahul displayed mastery with the sweep to reach the 80s. Pant launched Bashir for two towering sixes in an over before Rahul raised his ninth Test hundred with a classy punch through covers.
Pant, who was on 45 off 81 balls at one stage, accelerated to 118 with fearless strokeplay. He became only the second wicketkeeper in Test history to score centuries in both innings of a match after Andy Flower. Pant’s celebration was short-lived, however, as he fell attempting a big hit off Bashir.
🔗 Read: Rishabh Pant’s Top 5 Test Innings – Complete Breakdown
Rahul, who was nearing a potential 150, was undone by Carse as a rising delivery caught his inside edge, disturbing the stumps. His 137-run knock proved vital in setting the tone for India’s aggressive push.
England Fight Back with Second New Ball
Triple-Wicket Maiden Hurts India Late
Post Tea, England made a strong comeback with the second new ball. Woakes removed Karun Nair, who had earlier opened his account with a reverse sweep. Then came a dramatic over from Tongue, who dismissed Shardul Thakur, Mohammad Siraj, and Jasprit Bumrah in the span of four balls, including a rare triple-wicket maiden.
Joe Root, in the process, became the joint-highest catcher in Test history alongside Rahul Dravid. The only resistance came from Ravindra Jadeja, who added 15 vital runs with Prasidh Krishna, helping India finish with 364 in the second innings and a 370-run lead overall.
England Openers Steady at Close of Play
Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett saw off the tricky final session, scoring 21 runs without any loss. While England needs a monumental effort on the final day, India will be wary of both the pitch conditions and looming rain that could impact the outcome.
With weather likely to play a role and India’s bowling attack firing in recent matches, all three results are possible as Day 5 approaches.
Brief Scores:
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India: 471 & 364 (KL Rahul 137, Rishabh Pant 118; Josh Tongue 3/72, Brydon Carse 3/80)
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England: 465 & 21/0 (Zak Crawley 12*, Ben Duckett 9*)
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Target: 371 | To Win: 350 more
