India Gives England a Stiff Target After Late Collapse in Batting on Day 4

India and England carried on their exciting duel in the 1st Test at Headingley Leeds wherein Day 4 produced fierce action and drama. India had begun the day with intentions to establish a good lead and they did present some awesome batting displays in their second innings. KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant were at the core of this endeavor as they put up a great partnership and provided India with a dominating position. Pant again demonstrated why he is rated among the most feared batters in the game. He made history by emerging as the first Asian wicketkeeper to record two centuries in a single Test match. His hundred in the second innings came after his 134 in the first innings and was characteristic of having plenty of gutsy strokeplay and impeccable timing. KL Rahul played equally well as the duo put together a good 195 runs which placed India in a commanding position at one point.

India seemed so much in command when the score was 333 for 4. The fans were in anticipation of a huge total being put up for England but cricket does have its moments of sudden change and that's precisely what occurred. Towards the last session of the day India witnessed a dramatic batting meltdown when they lost six wickets for only 37 runs. The batting lineup collapsed under pressure as England bowlers got into their rhythm and pace at the very moment. What appeared to be a total of over 400 was suddenly tied up for 364 in 96 overs. This abrupt collapse of wickets stunned Indian supporters and got England involved in the match again. In spite of the collapse, India left with a lead of 370 runs providing their bowlers with a decent target to defend on the last day.

The Headingley pitch has begun to witness signs of ageing but it is good enough for batting still. But the pressure of running down a large fourth-innings score such as 371 can get into the minds of English batsmen. India's bowling unit will be itching and eager to go all guns blazing in pursuit of a victory. The opener of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy has witnessed a combination of robust batting and punctual bowling spells from both teams and the match is now sweetly poised for a nail-biting conclusion on Day 5.

Rishabh Pant's twin tons have been the highlight of this Test. His belligerent intent with unflinching stroke play made it difficult for England bowlers. The manner in which he dealt with pace and spin indicated maturity as well as self-assurance. KL Rahul also assisted him well with composed yet aggressive shots. Together they provided India with the sort of partnership that wins matches but the tailenders could not take the momentum ahead. Following their demises wickets fell at regular intervals and no batter was able to hang around long enough to settle the innings. The late collapse was a reminder to fans of how quickly fortunes can turn around Test cricket and how essential it is to remain alert till the final moment.

On the other hand England bowlers deserve credit for their fightback. They remained convinced and continued bowling with discipline. Just when the tide was turning in favor of India the bowlers strangled their lines and obtained breakthroughs. The fielding was stingy and dot ball pressure coupled with good length bowling did the trick. Now with 371 to chase the job is certainly onerous but not impossible. It will require a good foundation from the top order and a big innings player like Joe Root or Ben Stokes.

India's the favorite going into Day 5 but miracles have happened in cricket before. Much will depend on how the Indian bowlers fare and how much pressure they are able to generate from the start. A couple of early wickets would actually get England all worked up whereas a solid opening partnership could leave India on the back foot. The pitch could also play a part in how the ball reacts on the final day and spinners could come into the picture as the surface wears on.

Taking a look at the entire Test thus far the match has delivered everything supporters of the longer version of the game love. Big centuries sharp bowling partnerships collapse and momentum changes. Pant's performance will be the most memorable element of this match no matter what the outcome is. Becoming the first Asian wicketkeeper to score two centuries in one Test is no mean feat and it indicates the level of confidence and ability that he brings to the side.

As the sun dips on Day 4 the tension mounts. England has the bat in hand India has the ball and a trophy at stake. With only one day remaining and all still to play for this Test match is primed for a spectacular finish. Fans everywhere will be glued to their television sets as the two teams battle it out in what is shaping up to be an enthralling final day. The stage is perfectly set for a dramatic conclusion and only time will tell which team can hold its nerve and finish on top.