Former England pace bowler Stuart Broad has weighed in on the first Test between England and India at Headingley, stating that India are the "favourites" to win on Day 5. The match is currently poised with England needing 350 runs to win, with all ten wickets in hand, after India set a target of 371.
Broad, commentating on Sky Sports, highlighted the importance of England navigating the new ball period on the final day. He believes that the conditions of the Day 5 pitch heavily favor the Indian bowling attack. According to Broad, India only needs to create ten chances to dismiss the English batsmen and secure a 1-0 lead in the five-match series. He emphasized the need for India to capitalize on these opportunities by holding onto their catches.
India's second innings saw valuable contributions from their top order, including centuries from KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant. Rahul scored 137, while Pant made history by becoming the first Indian wicketkeeper-batsman to score centuries in both innings of a Test against England, finishing with 118 in the second innings. Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill also contributed with centuries in the first innings..
Despite Broad's assessment, the England team remains optimistic about their chances. Fast bowler Josh Tongue expressed the team's determination to go for the win, a sentiment echoed by Rahul, highlighting England's aggressive 'Bazball' approach to Test cricket, signaling their intent to chase down the target rather than settle for a draw. Tongue played a key role in India's first innings collapse, securing a triple-wicket maiden. He also stated that the team is going to remain as positive as they can be.
England's opening batsmen, Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett, successfully negotiated a tricky six overs at the end of Day 4, ending the day at 21/0. They will need to build on this solid start and put together a significant partnership to put pressure back on the Indian bowlers.
The Headingley pitch is expected to offer turn and variable bounce on Day 5, which will assist India's spin bowlers Ravindra Jadeja and Ravichandran Ashwin, if he is selected. Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj will lead the pace attack, aiming to exploit any assistance from the surface.
Broad acknowledged that England would be trying to boost their confidence in the dressing room, trying to convince themselves that they are the favorites. He also noted the importance of Shubman Gill's captaincy, suggesting that Gill needs to use his bowlers effectively and encourage them to bowl aggressively.
The first hour of play on Day 5 will be crucial. If England can see off the new ball and build a solid platform, they will be in a strong position to chase down the remaining runs. However, if India can strike early and pick up a few wickets, they will be well on their way to victory.
