England are just 102 runs away from winning the first Test match before rain disrupted the second session of play once again. Shardul Thakur’s two-wicket over opened the game for India.
The post-lunch session began quietly, with Zak Crawley reaching his half-century as the England openers steadily added runs. Ben Duckett, who survived an earlier dropped catch, was given another life by Yashasvi Jaiswal, who dropped him again on 97*. Taking full advantage, Duckett went on to score his century, becoming the first England opener since 2010 to score a fourth-innings hundred. Duckett’s sixth century was well-constructed, starting steadily before accelerating into an impressive finish.
Prasidh Krishna Breaks Through with Key Wickets as Rain Interrupts at Headingley
As overcast conditions loomed at Headingley, heavy drizzle forced a 20-minute break. After the interval, the players returned to the field. Prasidh Krishna gave India their first breakthrough by dismissing Zak Crawley for 65 (off 126 balls), providing a much-needed boost for the visitors.
Krishna struck again quickly, this time bowling Ollie Pope, the centurion from the first innings. Krishna’s reverse swing bamboozled Pope, securing his second wicket of the match.
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Shardul Thakur’s Quick Double Strikes Shift Momentum
Joe Root came in next and built a partnership of 47 runs off 59 balls with Duckett, keeping England’s chase on track. However, Shardul Thakur rose to the occasion when India needed him most, dismissing Ben Duckett for 149 (off 170 balls). Duckett’s superb innings ended amid loud applause from the crowd.
Immediately following the celebration, Shardul took another wicket on the very next ball, trapping Harry Brook for a first-ball duck. Shardul was on the verge of a hat-trick, but Ben Stokes, the new batter, quickly got off the mark with a 3-run whip into midwicket.
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Final Session Drama: India Eyes Six Wickets as England Chases 102 in 40 Overs
The duo of Stokes and Root appeared under pressure as India bowled a tight, attacking line and length, creating several close chances that narrowly went England’s way. With momentum shifting to the Indian bowlers, rain returned, forcing players off the field for the tea break on Day 5.
England need 102 runs from 40 overs to win the match, but India remain in contention, needing six wickets to take the series lead as rain continues to fall at Headingley. Stay tuned for the exciting final session of the first Test.
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