Day 4 of the second Test between India and England at Edgbaston finds India in a promising position, but with pressure mounting on key batsmen KL Rahul and Karun Nair. India aims to capitalize on their lead and secure a victory that would end a 58-year wait for a series win in England.
India concluded Day 3 with a score of 64/1, extending their overall lead to 244 runs. KL Rahul is holding steady at 28, while Karun Nair is at 7. The early loss of Yashasvi Jaiswal, who scored a quick 28, was a setback, but Rahul and Nair have the responsibility of building a substantial lead on Day 4.
The foundation for India's advantage was laid by Mohammed Siraj's exceptional performance with the ball on Day 3. His six-wicket haul restricted England to 407, giving India a crucial first-innings lead of 180 runs. Akash Deep also contributed significantly, taking 4 wickets. Siraj's performance was particularly vital after England's Jamie Smith and Harry Brook mounted a counter-attack, posting a remarkable 303-run partnership for the sixth wicket. Smith remained unbeaten on 184, the highest score by an England wicketkeeper in Tests, while Brook contributed a brilliant 158.
Despite the strong partnership from Smith and Brook, India's bowlers rallied with the second new ball, dismissing the final five English wickets for just 20 runs. Siraj cleaned up Shoaib Bashir's stumps to complete his six-wicket haul.
Earlier in the day, Siraj had given India a sensational start by dismissing Joe Root and Ben Stokes in successive deliveries. This early breakthrough had England reeling at 84/5. However, Smith and Brook fought back, dominating the Indian bowlers for a significant portion of the day.
Looking ahead to Day 4, the pitch conditions appear favorable for batting, which could allow India to set a formidable fourth-innings target for England. KL Rahul's role will be key in providing stability and guiding the innings, while Karun Nair will be under pressure to contribute a significant score.
Mohammed Siraj revealed his willingness to share the match ball with Akash Deep, acknowledging his bowling partner's impressive performance. Akash Deep finished with figures of 4 for 88.
India's current score in the second innings is 64/1. The dismissal of Yashasvi Jaiswal was the only setback, as he was trapped lbw by Josh Tongue. KL Rahul, however, displayed elegant touch and remained unbeaten.
The pressure is on KL Rahul and Karun Nair to capitalize on the platform set by the bowlers and ensure India sets a target beyond England's reach. A significant partnership between them could well determine the outcome of the Test and bring India closer to ending their long wait for a series victory in England.
