England launched a strong offensive, pressuring India in the initial session of the 2nd Test Day 4. However, India reversed the game’s momentum with quick wickets just before Lunch. Kuldeep Yadav dismissed Zak Crawley, ending his impressive 73-run innings. Jasprit Bumrah secured Jonny Bairstow’s wicket, leaving England reliant on captain Ben Stokes and their last four batters in the second session. At Lunch, England needed 205 to win, while India required four wickets.
Ravichandran Ashwin is on the brink of a historic achievement, aiming to become the second Indian, after Anil Kumble, to reach 500 Test wickets. Earlier, Ashwin broke the partnership between Ollie Pope and Zak Crawley, with Rohit Sharma taking an exceptional slip catch to dismiss Pope for 23. Joe Root fell to Ashwin for 16, providing India a crucial breakthrough.
Axar Patel initiated the day’s proceedings by dismissing nightwatchman Rehan Ahmed but leaked runs. Crawley dominated alongside Pope, with the former crossing fifty. India, aiming for 10 wickets to level the series, faced a challenging situation as England chased a target of 399 at 4.78 runs per over.
Day 4 could witness fireworks from both teams, as England concluded Day 3 at 67/1. Zak Crawley and nightwatchman Rehan were at the crease, with Ravichandran Ashwin dismissing Ben Duckett. Yashasvi Jaiswal’s double century in India’s first innings and Shubman Gill’s resilient 104 in the second set the stage. Gill overcame an initial struggle, contributing to India’s total of 255 before England’s second innings.
James Anderson, England’s sole seamer, made an impact by removing Rohit Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal early on Day 3. England is monitoring Joe Root’s finger injury. The Test’s outcome hangs in the balance, promising an enthralling final day of play.
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