The fourth day of the second Test match between India and England has concluded. India declared their second innings at 427 runs for six wickets, setting a massive target of 608 runs for the hosts.
IND vs ENG 2nd Test Day 4: The fourth day of the second Test between India and England was dominated by the Indian team. A brilliant century by captain Shubman Gill and early wickets by the bowlers put India firmly in control of the match. India declared their second innings at 427 runs for six wickets, setting an almost impossible target of 608 runs for England. In response, England lost three wickets before stumps and still trails by 536 runs.
In India's second innings, Gill played a magnificent captain's innings of 161 runs. Besides him, KL Rahul (55), Rishabh Pant (65), and Ravindra Jadeja (69 not out) also made significant contributions. At the end of the fourth day's play, England's situation was such that Ollie Pope (24) and Harry Brook (15) were struggling at the crease. For India, Akash Deep bowled brilliantly, taking two wickets, while Mohammed Siraj claimed one.
Gill's Powerful Century, England's Morale Crushed
India resumed the day at 64 runs for one wicket. However, the first setback came early when Karun Nair was dismissed for 26 runs. After this, Gill and Rahul cautiously built the innings. Rahul played a steady innings of 55 runs but was clean bowled by Josh Tongue's fast bowling.
After Rahul's departure, Rishabh Pant came to the crease and, along with Gill, attacked the English bowlers. They formed a partnership of 110 runs for the fourth wicket. Pant scored 65 runs and played several attractive shots. However, Shoaib Bashir dismissed him leg before wicket, breaking this dangerous partnership.
Gill, during this time, showed tremendous confidence and completed his century, further extending the innings. He added 175 runs for the fifth wicket with Ravindra Jadeja, leaving no room for India to be eliminated from the match. Gill's innings of 161 runs included 13 fours and 8 sixes, clearly showing his aggressive intent. Gill was eventually dismissed by Shoaib Bashir.
After this, Jadeja played an unbeaten innings of 69 runs and, along with Washington Sundar (12 not out), took the team to a score of 427. India declared the innings after reaching a lead of 607 runs and invited England to bat in the final session of the fourth day.
Bowlers Push England on the Back Foot
England's second innings started very poorly. From the very first ball, India's bowlers put pressure on England. Akash Deep did not let Zak Crawley, who was out for a duck, open his account, as he was bowled for zero. After that, Duckett (25) struggled a bit, but Akash Deep scattered his stumps with a beautiful ball.
The biggest success for India came when Akash Deep bowled out an experienced batsman like Joe Root for 6 runs. England's score became 39 runs for three wickets at that time, and the team was completely under pressure. At stumps, Ollie Pope and Harry Brook somehow remained on the crease, but India's bowlers have made full preparations to take seven wickets quickly on the fifth day and level the series.
The Thrill of the Fifth Day
India has the opportunity to take all seven wickets on the fifth and final day. There are slight cracks and bounce in the pitch, which Ravindra Jadeja and R Ashwin can take advantage of. At the same time, the way the fast bowlers have started, England's troubles seem to be increasing. Indian captain Gill said after declaring the innings, "We played with a complete strategy, and the batsmen took responsibility. Now the bowlers have to take seven wickets on the last day, and we are confident that they will complete this task."
England still needs to score 536 runs, which has never been achieved in cricket history. In such a situation, India's victory seems almost certain. Only the weather or a miracle can save England. If India wins this Test, the series will be tied 1-1, and the final match will be decisive.
