The stage is perfectly set at Headingley Leeds for a classic Day 5 Test match finish. With England needing 351 runs and all 10 wickets intact the match is intriguingly poised. The target of 371 set by India is massive by any stretch especially on a pitch showing signs of wear and unpredictable bounce.
Rahul and Pant Lead the Charge
Indiarsquos imposing total was powered by a gritty 137-run knock from opener KL Rahul who anchored the innings through testing spells. He found an able partner in wicket-keeper Rishabh Pant who made history by becoming the second glovemanmdashafter Zimbabwersquos Andy Flowermdashto score centuries in both innings of a Test match.
Pantrsquos fearless strokeplay added vital runs frustrating the English attack and pushing the game just out of easy reach.
A Historic Chase Awaits England
No team has ever successfully chased a target as big as 371 in a 5-day Test at Headingley. The record chase here belongs to Don Bradmanrsquos Australians who hunted down 404 runs back in 1948 during a 6-day Test. Bradmanrsquos unbeaten 173 that day remains the stuff of legends.
To do something similar England will have to dig deep and make history.
Broad Backs Bumrah and Indiarsquos Bowling Unit
Former England pacer Stuart Broad has thrown his weight behind India highlighting the impact Jasprit Bumrah could have on a cracking Day 5 surface. ldquoThey only need to create 10 opportunitiesrdquo Broad said on Sky Sports. ldquoGetting through the new ball will be key for England but India have to be favourites.rdquo
He also emphasised the importance of Indiarsquos bowling tactics saying skipper Shubman Gill must ldquouse his bowlers smartlyrdquo and ldquowhack the pitch as hard as they can.rdquo
The Final Frontier Awaits
With history pride and momentum on the line Day 5 promises edge-of-the-seat action. Will Bumrah unleash his magic again and script an Indian win or will England defy the odds and achieve the unthinkable? As Headingley prepares for a grand finale fans around the world are bracing for a finish that could go down in Test cricket folklore.