In what has evolved into a riveting contest brimming with twists, India has set England a challenging target of 371 runs in the 1st Test of the India in England Test Series 2025.
Centuries from KL Rahul and vice-captain Rishabh Pant power Team India to 364 in the 2nd innings
As Day 4 entered its twilight, England were 4 without loss in their second innings, leaving them 367 runs away from victory on the final day.
India’s first innings total of 465 was powered by a commanding top-order display, culminating in a steady scoring rate of 4.22. However, England responded with grit, notching up 471 runs, thanks to a late-order flourish, and taking a slender 6-run lead.
India’s second innings unfolded in contrasting tones—steady resistance early in the day (63/1 in Session 1) gave way to aggressive strokeplay as the batters cruised to 145/1 in Session 2. Despite a few quick wickets later, they managed to post 364 runs, setting the stage for a final-day showdown.
The opening exchanges of England’s chase were cautious. Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj bowled in testing corridors, extracting swing and bounce under overcast skies. Zak Crawley (3 off 13) and Ben Duckett (1 off 3) survived the early probing spell but know the bigger battle lies ahead.
With 371 to get and one full day of play remaining, Headingley prepares for a final-day drama—will England script a historic chase or will India’s bowlers tilt the scale?
