Image Credit: BCCI
India Close in on Series Level with Massive Lead at Edgbaston
India are on the cusp of leveling the five-match Test series after a commanding performance at Edgbaston. England ended Day 4 on 72 for 3, still needing 536 runs to achieve an unprecedented chase of 608. With seven wickets remaining and one day left, India are firmly in control and set to make it 1-1.
Edgbaston Test
India declared their second innings at 427 for 6, building on their strong first innings total of 587. The decision to declare was a calculated one, giving their bowlers more than a day to dismantle the English batting lineup. England were immediately under pressure as Mohammed Siraj struck in the very first over, and Akash Deep followed up with two quick wickets to leave the hosts in serious trouble.
By stumps, England had already lost Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, and Joe Root. Harry Brook (15*) and Ollie Pope (24*) managed to survive till the end of play but looked far from comfortable. The pitch, offering variable bounce, is expected to deteriorate further on Day 5, which could play into India’s hands.
Massive Lead
India’s dominance was built on a massive first innings foundation. Shubman Gill led the charge with a remarkable 269, supported by key contributions from Yashasvi Jaiswal and Ravindra Jadeja. Despite a brief English resistance through a 303-run partnership between Harry Brook and Jamie Smith, the Indian bowlers came back strong to bundle England out for 407, securing a first innings lead of 180.
In the second innings, Gill once again rose to the occasion with a breathtaking 161 off just 162 deliveries. Rishabh Pant added further pressure with a quickfire 65, pushing the lead beyond England’s reach.
Record Chase
The target of 608 is the highest ever set in a fourth innings of a Test match. England’s task is monumental. No team has chased more than 418 to win a Test, making this ask nearly impossible. With the series on the line, India need just seven wickets on the final day to draw level and shift the momentum firmly in their favor.
All signs point toward an Indian victory, barring a miraculous resistance from England’s lower order. As the final day dawns, India stand ready to finish what they have so comprehensively started.
