[Watch] Early Breakthrough For India; Axar Patel Outsmarts Rehan Ahmed In Vizag Test

Axar Patel dismissed Rehan Ahmed (AP Photo)

India strengthened its position by dismissing England's nightwatchman Rehan Ahmed early in the session on Day 4 of the ongoing second Test in Vizag. Ahmed, who had been sent in after Ben Duckett's wicket fell towards the end of Day 3, was dismissed off Axar Patel's bowling for 23.

Axar Patel dismissed England's nightwatchman Rehan Ahmed early on Day 4

The dismissal occurred on the fifth ball of the 23rd over when Axar Patel delivered a deceptive arm ball that unexpectedly stayed low. Ahmed, attempting a flick to the leg side, was outmaneuvered as the ball sneaked beneath his bat to strike the pads, leading to an immediate lbw call from the umpire. Ahmed's brief yet impactful innings concluded at 23 off 31 balls, a performance that briefly bolstered England's batting lineup.

Meanwhile, at the time of writing this article, England find themselves at 109 for the loss of 2 wickets after 23.3 overs. The batting pair of Zak Crawley and Ollie Pope is at the crease. Crawley, in particular, has exhibited a positive approach from the start of Day 4, playing confidently to reach 45 runs. 

Pope, on the other hand, has demonstrated his intent to keep the scoreboard moving with a brisk 8 runs off just five balls, including two boundaries. The duo's partnership is critical for England as they chase a challenging target.

England's quest to narrow the deficit stands tall, needing another 290 runs to claim victory. On the other hand, India's objective is clear - capture the remaining 8 wickets to level the series 1-1. 

The match is poised intriguingly, with both teams aware of the high stakes involved. India's early breakthrough on Day 4 has set the stage for what promises to be a riveting conclusion to the Test, with both teams eager to assert their dominance and alter the series' trajectory.

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