INDIA’S TOUR OF ENGLAND, 2025
Rahul and Pant shared an unbroken 61-run stand by Lunch on Day 4. © Getty
An impressive measured half-century from KL Rahul and his partnership with Rishabh Pant has kept India steady in the Headingley Test by Lunch on the fourth day. Despite an early setback, India didn’t allow themselves to be put under pressure as the duo thwarted England’s attempts at making further incisions and guided the lead past the 150-run mark by the session break.
England drew first blood once play got underway in the morning. Brydon Carse started proceedings, once Shoaib Bashir bowled that one delivery that was left last evening, and the pacer struck immediately. The ball came back in from a good length after pitching and took the Indian skipper’s inside-edge before clattering into the stumps. One more wicket at that stage could have put India under some pressure. But Pant came down the track off just his second delivery to smash one past Chris Woakes and at the other end, Rahul brought up his first half-century of the tour.
Woakes then caused some problems for Rahul but Pant stepped down the track against the experienced bowling allrounder to thump him for another boundary. England then burnt a review in their desperation to see the back of Pant whereas Rahul at the other end was more than happy to bat time. He found himself in trouble when he attempted to guide one delivery towards third man for the second successive time but hit it straight to Harry Brook who couldn’t pluck an overhead catch.
Rabul continued to weather the storm against the English pace attack before finally punching Ben Stokes through the covers to move into the 70s. Bashir was brought in before lunch for a mini burst but Pant kept him out to make sure India didn’t let go of the slight advantage. In terms of runs, this (63) was the least productive session of the Test.
Brief scores: India 471 & 153/3 (KL Rahul 72*, Rishabh Pant 31*; Brydon Carse 2/39) lead England 465 by 159 runs
© Cricbuzz
