England vs India Day 4 (Source: AP)
The third Test between India and England is hanging in the balance after an eventful Day 4, with the visitors requiring 135 more runs on the final day to secure a vital 2-1 series lead. In what has been a dramatic encounter at Lord’s, the hosts need just six more wickets to seize a 2-1 advantage in the five-match Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy.
India’s Struggle Against England’s Seamers
India finished Day 4 with 58 runs on the board and four wickets down, their chase of a modest target of 193 looking increasingly tough. Opener Yashasvi Jaiswal was dismissed for a duck by Jofra Archer’s bouncer early in the innings.
Following his departure, KL Rahul and Karun Nair attempted to steady the ship with a counter-attacking partnership, but Nair's lack of concentration led to his dismissal. He was trapped plumb in front by Brydon Carse after playing an ill-advised shot to an in-swinging delivery.
The pressure mounted as Shubman Gill, who had been looking uncomfortable throughout his innings, was dismissed lbw by Carse. The nightwatchman, Akash Deep, hung in there briefly, but Ben Stokes cleaned him up to end the day on a high note for England.
With India on 58/4, the final day is set up for a thrilling finish, with Rishabh Pant and Rahul now at the crease.
England On Top After Key Breakthroughs- Sangakkara
Former Sri Lankan captain Kumar Sangakkara believes England currently hold the upper hand in the contest. “England will be more confident than India at the moment. The way I saw India bat, there were a few jitters. They seemed a bit negative,” said the batting great, speaking to Sky Sports.
Sangakkara observed that India, despite their extensive batting lineup, have struggled to find fluency in their chase. He also echoed Washington Sundar’s sentiment that India’s approach has been somewhat cautious. “Washington Sundar told us they wanted to be one wicket down, but I think they should have given themselves a target of runs,” Sangakkara added, hinting that the Indian team may have been too defensive in their strategy.
Pant And Rahul’s Partnership Could Be Game-Changer
Despite India’s faltering start, Rishabh Pant’s destructive batting style and Rahul’s ability to anchor the innings provide India with a glimmer of hope. Sangakkara suggested that the duo could still turn the game in India’s favour, provided they form a solid partnership.
“If Rahul and Pant can stretch this partnership to beyond 100 for the team, then India are back in the driving seat,” Sangakkara said. “Pant will play his shots. You can’t go into your shell. If India do, England will be further in front. India must bat smart. Rahul can anchor, but the rest have to score runs.”
It is important to mention that Pant’s aggressive approach is expected to be important for India. His ability to score quickly could make a huge difference in the context of the game.
England Need Just Six More Wickets
England will enter Day 5 confident of wrapping up the game with six more wickets. There target will be continue their discipline with the ball and make full use of the Lord's pitch. With the series at 1-1, both teams know the importance of this match in the context of the series. A win for England will give them a crucial 2-1 lead with two Tests to play, while India will be determined to keep the series alive.
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