Cricket Kitchen

India in Command Against England: 350-Run Challenge on Day 5

June 24, 2025

Leeds,
India has tightened its grip in the first Test against England at Leeds, setting the home side a challenging target of 371 runs. At stumps on Day 4, England reached 21 without loss in 6 overs, with Zak Crawley on 12 and Ben Duckett on 9, both unbeaten at the crease. With 350 runs still needed on the final day, India finds itself in a strong position. The performances of KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant, and Jasprit Bumrah were crucial in putting India in command.

India had laid a strong foundation in the first innings. They posted a total of 471, powered by centuries from Shubman Gill (147) and Yashasvi Jaiswal (101), along with an aggressive 134 from Rishabh Pant. Gill batted with patience while Pant unleashed a fiery counterattack. England’s bowlers struggled in the first innings, with Ben Stokes (4/66) and Josh Tongue (4/86) putting up notable efforts, but India’s deep batting lineup ensured a massive total.

In reply, England scored 465 in their first innings, falling just 6 runs short. Ollie Pope held the innings together with a century (106), while Harry Brook narrowly missed out on his own with 99. Ben Duckett added a valuable 62. However, Jasprit Bumrah’s fiery spell (5/83) tore through England’s top order. He received solid support from Prasidh Krishna (3/64), helping India maintain control.

In the second innings, KL Rahul dazzled with a superb 137, while Rishabh Pant hammered 118 off 140 balls, striking 15 fours and 3 sixes. Their 189-run stand for the fourth wicket lifted India to a total of 364. England’s Brydon Carse (3/80) and Josh Tongue (3/72) took some wickets, but India managed to build a lead of 370 runs.

Chasing 371, England’s openers managed to survive the late burst from Bumrah (0/9) and Mohammed Siraj (0/9), finishing Day 4 at 21/0. With 350 runs still to go on the final day, England will need something miraculous to pull off a win, while India’s bowling attack—led by Bumrah, Siraj, Krishna, and Ravindra Jadeja—will be looking to apply pressure from the outset.

India’s disciplined bowling and aggressive batting have swung the match in their favor. Bumrah’s early breakthroughs on Day 5 could prove decisive, while England will be banking on batters like Joe Root and Ben Stokes to rescue them. A thrilling final day is expected, with India aiming to clinch their first win of the five-match Test series. India will look to assert their dominance, while England will be fighting for survival.