England vs India Test Day 4: KL Rahul Hits Fifty as India Extend Lead Past 150 Despite Early Strikes
On Day 4 of the first Test at Headingley, India showed grit and skill, reaching 153/3 at lunch with a lead of 159 runs.
KL Rahul (72*) and Rishabh Pant (31*) stood firm, guiding India through a tough morning session. Let’s dive into the action.
Early Blow for India
The day started with a setback as India’s captain, Shubman Gill, fell for 8. Brydon Carse struck early, bowling a sharp delivery that nipped back and crashed into Gill’s stumps.
England’s quick bowlers set a fiery tone, testing India’s batters with pace and bounce. Despite the early loss, Rahul stayed calm, anchoring the innings.
KL Rahul’s Classy Fifty
KL Rahul played with elegance, scoring a well-crafted half-century off 87 balls. His 72 not out included seven crisp boundaries, showcasing his ability to handle England’s attack.
A stunning cover drive off Ben Stokes was the highlight, earning praise for its timing. Rahul survived a scare when Harry Brook dropped him at gully on 55, but he made England pay with his steady batting.
Rishabh Pant’s Fiery Cameo
Rishabh Pant brought his usual spark, scoring 31 not out off 59 balls. He started with a risky boundary off Carse but soon settled, mixing caution with flair.
Pant survived an lbw appeal thanks to an inside edge and later smashed a top-edged sweep that landed safely. His 61-run stand with Rahul frustrated England, helping India stretch their lead past 150.
England’s Bowling Fight
England’s seamers, led by Carse (1/12 in six overs), bowled with discipline. The pitch showed signs of uneven bounce, making batting tricky. Ben Stokes and Chris Woakes kept the pressure on, but India’s batters held their ground.
A brief rain scare didn’t disrupt play, and the session ended with India in control.
What’s Next for India?
With a 159-run lead, India will look to build a big target in the afternoon. Rahul and Pant’s partnership is key, but England’s bowlers are hungry for wickets.
This Test is shaping up for a thrilling finish. Stay tuned for more updates from Headingley!