India is in a strong position on Day 4 of the second Test against England, holding a significant lead and looking to set a challenging target with KL Rahul and Karun Nair at the crease.
India Seeks to Pile on Runs
After dismissing England for 407 in their first innings, India has extended its lead to 244 runs, reaching 64 for 1 in their second innings. On Day 4, the focus will be on KL Rahul, currently on 34, and Karun Nair, at 2 runs, as they aim to build a commanding lead.
The visitors are looking to score quickly to put themselves in a strong position for a decisive victory. With two full days of play remaining, India will be keen to set a target that challenges England and gives their bowlers ample time to secure the win.
England’s Resilient Fightback
England showed considerable fight in their first innings, primarily thanks to a remarkable partnership between Harry Brook, who scored 158, and Jamie Smith, who remained unbeaten on 184. The pair put together a defiant 303-run stand for the sixth wicket.
This partnership marked the highest sixth-wicket stand for England against India in Test cricket, providing a glimmer of hope for the hosts. Their efforts helped England reduce India’s first-innings lead and keep the match competitive.
Indian Bowlers Break Through
Despite England’s resilience, India’s bowlers eventually broke through. Akash Deep was instrumental in ending the formidable partnership, cleaning up Harry Brook with the new ball. His crucial wicket opened the floodgates for India.
Akash Deep finished with impressive figures of 4 for 98, while Mohammed Siraj was the standout performer, taking a brilliant 6 for 119. Their combined efforts ripped through England’s lower order, restricting their reply to 407, still 180 runs short of India’s formidable first-innings total of 587.
Second Innings Strategy
India’s second innings began positively, with the openers racing to a 50-run partnership. However, Yashasvi Jaiswal fell late on Day 3, bringing Karun Nair to the crease alongside KL Rahul.
The team management will likely encourage aggressive batting to build a lead quickly. The aim is to put the pressure back on England and ensure they have enough overs to bowl them out in the fourth innings.
- India holds a 244-run lead over England going into Day 4.
- KL Rahul and Karun Nair are at the crease, looking to accelerate scoring.
- Harry Brook (158) and Jamie Smith (184*) formed a record 303-run partnership for England.
- Akash Deep (4/98) and Mohammed Siraj (6/119) were key bowlers for India.
As the match heads towards a gripping conclusion, all eyes will be on India’s ability to capitalize on their strong position and set up a decisive victory at Edgbaston.