🇮🇳 India on the Brink: 135 Runs Away with 6 Wickets in Hand at Lord’s Test Showdown
Toha Tech
4 min read
🇮🇳 India on the Brink: 135 Runs Away with 6 Wickets in Hand at Lord’s Test Showdown
India vs England Test Match Heats Up: A Decisive Fifth Day Awaits
The tension at Lord’s has reached fever pitch as the Test between India and England heads into a dramatic fifth day. After a roller-coaster of a fourth day where 14 wickets fell, both teams are now in a position to snatch victory. India requires 135 more runs with just six wickets in hand, while England is eyeing those crucial wickets to seal the match.
Fourth Day Carnage Shifts Test Momentum
Heading into the fourth day, the Test appeared to be drifting toward a potential draw, with a 43% probability of a stalemate. However, in the span of 61.1 overs, the tide turned dramatically. England was bundled out for 192 in their second innings, setting India a target of 193 runs. With India at 58/4 by the end of the day, the match is finely poised.
India’s Top Order Crumbles Again Under Pressure
The Indian batting order suffered early shocks in their second innings. The opening trio—Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, and Karun Nair—were dismissed cheaply, exposing India’s middle order to a high-pressure chase.
- Jaiswal fell for a duck to a reckless shot off Jofra Archer, attempting an unnecessary bouncer outside off-stump.
- Gill, who had been in good touch throughout the series, failed again at Lord’s and was dismissed for just six runs.
- Karun Nair, despite looking composed, fell victim to a poor shot selection and was out for 14.
Only KL Rahul stood firm, leveraging his experience and temperament to remain unbeaten on 33. Rahul survived an early scare when Woakes dropped a simple catch off his bowling when the batter was on just five runs.
Aggressive Body Language Defines India’s Fourth-Day Fightback
India came out on Sunday with renewed energy and aggressive intent, perhaps sparked by the heated exchange with Jack Crawley at the end of Day 3. The body language of Indian players reflected their hunger to dominate, and it paid off.
Mohammed Siraj gave the early breakthrough by dismissing Ben Duckett. England’s middle order soon crumbled:
- Ollie Pope fell to Siraj.
- Crawley, who looked unsettled, was dismissed by Nitish Reddy.
The Indian bowlers, notably Siraj, Akashdeep, Jadeja, and Washington Sundar, executed sharp bowling strategies, including pushing the keeper up to the stumps, mirroring tactics used by England against India.
Joe Root and Harry Brook Build Resistance, but India Holds Firm
England attempted a recovery through Joe Root and Harry Brook. Root was steady as ever, while Brook looked to counter-attack. However, the Indian bowlers tightened the noose:
- Akashdeep and Nitish maintained tight lines and lengths with the keeper standing up.
- Brook, under pressure, attempted a sweep against Akashdeep and was caught for 23.
Root held the innings together until Washington Sundar produced a gem to bowl him out for 40 before tea. Sundar then added Jamie Smith (8) and Ben Stokes (33) to his list of scalps, breaking the backbone of England’s resistance.
India’s Bowling Brilliance Limits England to 192
Washington Sundar turned in a match-defining performance with the ball, finishing with 4 wickets for just 22 runs. He was supported ably by:
- Jasprit Bumrah – 2 wickets
- Mohammed Siraj – 2 wickets
- Nitish Reddy & Akashdeep – 1 wicket each
While England’s total of 192 wasn’t daunting on paper, it was challenging in the context of a deteriorating pitch, swing-friendly conditions, and rising scoreboard pressure.
England Strikes Back in Final Session
India’s response started poorly:
- Jaiswal’s early departure put India on the back foot.
- Karun Nair’s and Shubman Gill’s dismissals followed in quick succession.
- Akashdeep, sent in as a nightwatchman, also failed to survive.
By stumps on Day 4, India were reeling at 58/4, still needing 135 runs for victory. With only six wickets in hand, including the still-present KL Rahul, the pressure has shifted significantly.
KL Rahul: India’s Lone Beacon of Hope
Veteran batsman KL Rahul stood tall amid the chaos, showcasing grit and determination. With Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma not part of the squad, Rahul’s role has grown immensely. His experience and composure under pressure will be crucial on Day 5 as India eyes a memorable win at Lord’s.
Fifth Day Forecast: A Battle of Nerves and Skill
As both teams prepare for the final day, the game remains wide open:
- India needs 135 runs
- England needs 6 wickets
The unpredictable pitch at Lord’s, combined with overcast conditions and the mental toll of four hard-fought days, means Day 5 could go down in history as one of the most thrilling finishes at the iconic venue.
A Classic Lord’s Test Awaits Its Final Chapter
This Lord’s Test has had everything—drama, momentum swings, strategic brilliance, and individual heroics. With India chasing 193 in challenging conditions and England eyeing six wickets, fans around the world are in for an epic climax. Will KL Rahul steer India home, or will England’s bowlers pull off a stunning victory? All eyes now turn to Monday, where every ball could define the match—and possibly the series.
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