SPORTS DESK: India Extends Lead on Day 4 of ENG vs IND Test
Strong Batting Display at Lunch
On the fourth day of the first Test between England and India at Headingley, Leeds, Team India showcased resilience in their second innings. Resuming at an overnight score of 90/2, they reached 153/3 by the lunch break, adding 63 runs for the loss of one wicket. KL Rahul (71* off 157 balls, 9 fours) and Rishabh Pant (31* off 59 balls, 4 fours) anchored the innings, forging an unbeaten 61-run partnership for the fourth wicket over 140 balls.
Early Setback for India
The day began with an early blow as captain Shubman Gill, starting on 6, was dismissed for 8 on the seventh ball, bowled by England’s Brydon Carse. Despite this setback, Rahul and Pant adopted a cautious approach, ensuring no further wickets fell in the session. Rahul’s composed half-century, achieved in 87 balls, underscored his pivotal role in stabilizing the innings.
India’s Lead Grows
India’s lead swelled to 159 runs by lunch, bolstered by the disciplined batting of Rahul and Pant. Their partnership not only thwarted England’s bowling attack but also set a solid platform for India to build on in the subsequent sessions. The duo’s measured approach kept the scoreboard ticking without exposing the middle order.
Dinesh Karthik’s Critique on Thakur’s Role
Former Indian cricketer Dinesh Karthik raised concerns over the underutilization of all-rounder Shardul Thakur in the match. Thakur, who bowled only six overs in England’s first innings, conceding 38 runs, and scored just 1 run off 8 balls in India’s first innings, was under scrutiny. Karthik argued that Thakur’s inclusion in the playing XI warranted greater trust in his bowling capabilities.
Strategic Misstep?
Karthik emphasized that fielding four fast bowlers demands equitable distribution of bowling responsibilities. He stated, “If there’s no confidence in Shardul’s bowling, why include him in the team?” While acknowledging Gill’s intent to leverage other bowlers to pressure England, Karthik deemed the decision to limit Thakur to six overs as misguided, potentially undermining team strategy.
Looking Ahead
As India navigates the remainder of Day 4, the focus remains on Rahul and Pant to extend their partnership and fortify the lead. Meanwhile, the team management may need to reassess Thakur’s role to optimize their bowling resources. The match’s outcome hinges on India’s ability to balance caution with aggression in this pivotal test.