IND vs ENG 1st Test Day 4 Highlights: Pant and Rahul Hundreds Power India to 370-Run Lead; England 21/0 at Stumps

The first Test between India and England is nicely balanced going into the final day at Headingley, Leeds. India lost captain Shubman Gill early, but strong centuries from KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant helped steady things. It looked like India might bat England out of the game, but another lower-order collapse meant they set a target of 371. England ended the day at 21 for no loss, needing 350 more runs on the final day.

KL Rahul was the backbone of India’s innings, showing a perfect mix of skill and determination. As India’s most experienced batter in this series, he stayed patient, trusted his defence, and wore down the English bowlers. Along with his solid defence, Rahul also played some beautiful drives on his way to his 9th Test century. Remarkably, 8 of those have come outside India, and 3 in England making him the first Asian opener to score three Test hundreds in England. He top-scored with 137, batting for over six hours to help India post a strong total to defend on the final day.

Twin Tons in England: Pant Enters Elite Test Company

It wouldn’t be fair to describe Rishabh Pant’s brilliance as just great for a wicketkeeper he’s been India’s best batter of this decade. After scoring a century in the first innings, the 27-year-old did it again in the second. Pant played with incredible calm and confidence, completely throwing England off their game.

Then, true to his style, Pant shifted gears and launched a brilliant attack to bring up his 8th Test century and his 4th in England. He became the first Indian to score twin centuries in a Test match in England, and only the second wicketkeeper in Test history to do so. There’s no doubt Pant is already India’s best-ever wicketkeeper-batter, and if he keeps going the way he is, he might just become one of the greatest ever.

Karun Nair had waited almost ten years for another shot at India’s Test team. At 33, he was picked to step in for Virat Kohli in the playing XI. But in the Headingley Test, things didn’t go his way, he managed just 0 and 20 in his two innings. Nair looked unsure and nervous, clearly feeling the pressure of the moment. He came in to bat when India were in a good position both times, but instead of building on the advantage, his dismissals sparked collapses.

India’s Top Order Crumbles Again on Day 4

India’s batting struggles continued on Day 4, slipping to 31/6 in their second innings after being 41/7 in the first. Along with six dropped catches in the field, these collapses kept the match evenly balanced going into the final day. India’s lower order has contributed just 55 runs across both innings. In comparison, England’s tail added a crucial 189 runs in their first innings alone, helping them cancel out India’s lead. That difference might prove vital in deciding the outcome of the match for Shubman Gill’s side.

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