Pant’s Twin Tons and Rahul’s Grit Give India Commanding Lead Over England

India continued to dominate the 1st Test match against England at Headingley as centuries from KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant powered them to a commanding position by tea on Day 4.

Meanwhile, with the scoreboard reading 334/5 and a 340-run lead, India are poised to dictate the final day’s proceedings and push for a 1–0 lead in the five-match Test series.

KL Rahul Leads the Charge With Sublime 137

KL Rahul showcased grit and elegance with a sublime 137-run knock, anchoring India’s second innings and pushing their lead to a dominant position. His century marked a crucial return to form, as he absorbed pressure early on and later accelerated the scoring with clinical precision.

Rahul rotated the strike efficiently and punished loose deliveries with authority, cementing his place as the backbone of India’s top order. Though eventually dismissed for 137, his innings laid the foundation for India’s commanding position in the Test match.

Rishabh Pant Makes History With Twin Centuries

Rishabh Pant stole the spotlight earlier in the day with a blistering 118-run knock, making him the first Indian wicket-keeper to score centuries in both innings of a Test match. He is only the second wicket-keeper in the history of Test cricket to achieve this rare feat.

Pant’s second ton came at a breakneck pace and was laced with 25 boundaries and 8 sixes, reflecting his trademark fearless style. He shared a match-defining 195-run partnership with KL Rahul in just 27 overs during the second session, effectively batting England out of the contest.

Key Batting Performances (Second Innings)

England Bowlers toiled, Catches Dropped Again

Despite taking the second new ball, England’s bowlers failed to make consistent breakthroughs on a docile Headingley pitch. Dropped catches and missed opportunities added to their woes, allowing India to extend their dominance. Harry Brook, earlier in the match, was gifted a reprieve on 99 after a no-ball denied India his wicket in England’s first innings.

What to Expect on Day 5

With weather conditions expected to remain mostly dry until late afternoon, India may look to accelerate their scoring after tea or early on Day 5 before declaring. The 326-run lead could be pushed further in a bid to give Indian bowlers enough time to bowl England out on a surface offering minimal assistance.

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