Thrilling Day 4 of India vs England Test as India Stakes Target of 371

It was a gripping and thrilling Day 4 in the first India and England Test at Headingley in Leeds. The Indian team started with a position of strength but collapsed dramatically towards the end of play. At one stage India seemed to be in command with 333 for 4 but lost their last six wickets for only 37 runs. This unexpected collapse concluded India's second innings at 364 all out. England now has 371 runs to chase on the last day which promises a thrilling conclusion to the match.

India had begun Day 4 with a lead and strong momentum due to the contributions of their middle order. KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant had played outstandingly early in the innings and provided India with a huge advantage. Their partnership was full of attacking cricket and confidence. They contributed 195 runs together which made India's position strong in the match. Both batsmen scored centurion marks. KL Rahul batted in serene and composed fashion whereas Pant displayed his natural style of attacking. Pant especially touched a great milestone by becoming the first Asian wicket-keeper to make two hundreds in the same Test match. He had already made 134 runs in the first innings and scored a hundred in the second as well. His innings was one of the top highlights of this Test till date.

But despite such dominating performances India were unable to hold on. Once Rahul and Pant got out the batting order began disintegrating. England's bowlers struggled hard and utilized the old ball intelligently to breach the Indian order. The conditions marginally suited the bowlers during the last session and England utilized those fully. The pace bowlers maintained a strict line and length while the spinners kept the pressure from the opposite end. The Indian batsmen fell one after another without contributing many runs to the scoreboard. The side which seemed to be finishing with a huge margin suddenly collapsed for 364. This was a surprising collapse which stunned the fans and left them disheartened as India lost out on an opportunity to chase England out of the game.

At this reverse India has still posed a tough task of 371 runs to England to win the game. On a surface that is beginning to deteriorate and under the pressure of Day 5 batting this will not be an easy job for the English side. The Indian bowlers will be keen to make the early inroads when play resumes and start pressing the English batters. The Headingley surface has produced signs of uneven bounce and turn that will surely make batting more difficult on the last day. Indian bowlers could then come into the fray particularly if the wicket keeps breaking down further. The fast bowling attack will also seek to utilize the new ball to good effect and capitalise on any movement available in the morning.

Currently the Test match is well and truly evenly balanced but marginally in favour of India because of the large target. Only 371 on the last day is never easy to chase and this kind of chase in the past has never come off. But England possesses the talent and strength in their batting order to turn this into a genuine contest. The openers will have to provide them with a good beginning and the middle order will have to play with discipline and restraint. A lot will lie in how England go about the chase whether they opt for an aggressive approach or adopt a cautious approach at the start and wait for gaps.

The match has already given us high-standard cricket and witnessed some incredible individual performances. Rishabh Pant's twin centuries will be talked about for years to come. His aggressive batting has been a hallmark and in this Test he again showed why he is one of the most thrilling players in world cricket right now. KL Rahul's century also gave a lot of value to the team at the right time. He played responsibly and contributed significantly towards establishing a strong base for India's second innings.

All attention now will be focussed on the last day. Will India's bowlers step up and take ten wickets to win the Test or will England orchestrate an historic run chase? The game hangs in the balance nicely and both sets of supporters are waiting patiently for the outcome. The first Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 2025 has exceeded expectations and more with flashes of brilliance from both teams.

The last session of Day 4 revealed how rapidly Test cricket can change. A team can be in control and then suddenly lose their grip. India will have to spring back quickly and concentrate on their bowling approach. With a 370-run lead and a whole day of play remaining they are in the driving seat. But Test cricket never says die and England will certainly fight to the bitter end.

As the day ends on Day 4 at Headingley this encounter has all the makings of a classic ending. Both sides have contested cricket and the outcome is still in the balance. India will trust their bowlers to get the job done while England will hope to make a new history in their cricket by successfully chasing a large total. Whatever happens fans can look forward to an exciting Day 5 with a twist and turn.