In a riveting turn at Headingley, India produced an extraordinary comeback on Day 4 of the India vs England 1st Test match 2025. After a tough batting session earlier, KL Rahul (137) and Rishabh Pant (118) delivered stellar centuries, turning India’s position from shaky to commanding. India now leads by over 355 runs, putting England under true pressure heading into Day 5.
india vs england 1st innings highlights
India posted a competitive total of 471 in their first innings, largely due to a magnificent 147 by Shubman Gill and a counterattacking 134 from Rishabh Pant. England, however, responded strongly.
Despite early wickets, England’s middle-order delivered. Ollie Pope’s classy 106, Harry Brook’s agonizing 99, and ben ducket 62 helped England put up 465 runs.
Jasprit Bumrah was India’s shining light with the ball, claiming a five-wicket haul (5/83).
India vs England 1st Test match 2025 – India Collapse After Rahul-Pant Show, But Set 371 for England
India posted 364 in their second innings, creating a competitive 371-run target for England to chase. The star performances of KL Rahul (137) and Rishabh Pant (118) helped India turn the match dramatically. Headingley now prepares for a tense Day 5 as England begins their chase
After the stellar 200+ partnership between KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant, it appeared that India was on course to cross the 420-run mark comfortably. The momentum was high, and England’s bowlers looked deflated. However, things changed rapidly after Pant departed for 118 and Rahul soon followed after scoring a composed 137.
The dismissal of both set batters triggered a middle-order collapse. Karun Nair and Shardul Thakur failed to capitalize on the platform, falling cheaply to England’s second new ball burst.
India’s tailenders — Mohammed Siraj, Jasprit Bumrah, and Prasidh Krishna — could not offer much resistance. As a result, India was bowled out for 364, a total that felt 50 -70 runs short of what was possible given their position at 280/3. Despite the slight collapse, India is still in a commanding position with a 370+ target set for England. However, the lower order’s inability to contribute highlights how precious every run is in Test cricket, especially in foreign conditions.
KL Rahul – A Calm Century Under Pressure
- Scored a composed 137 off 247 balls, anchoring the chase.
- Endured initial swing and seam, stabilizing the innings when early losses threatened.
Rishabh Pant – Power and Precision
- Punched in a rapid 118 off 140 balls, featuring 15 fours and 3 sixes
- Became the second wicketkeeper ever (after Sangakkara at Headingley) to score centuries in both innings .
Their 200+ run partnership shifted the game from tension to dominance.
India Sets 371: England’s Day 5 Challenge
India’s second innings score of 364 all out gives England a target of 371. Considering Headingley’s flat pitch and last-day batting support, it’s a challenging but chaseable score for the hosts
Day 5 Game Plan: What England Needs
England’s Batting Strategy
- A steady opening with Crawley and Pope could build momentum.
- The middle-order (Root, Brook, Stokes) must avoid collapses against flawless attack.
- Crossing the 200-run mark will be crucial.
India’s Bowling Threat
- Bumrah—already with a five-wicket haul—must lead the attack.
- Siraj, Jadeja, and possibly prashidh krishna will exploit reversed swing, bounce, and spin later in the day.
India vs England 1st test 2025 – Match Stats
| Innings | Runs / Wickets | Lead / Target |
|---|---|---|
| England 1st Innings | 465 all out | — |
| India 1st Innings | 471 all out | +6 lead |
| India 2nd Innings | 364 all out | — |
| England Target | 371 to win | — |
Pitch & Conditions: A Final-Day Fix?
- Flat deck, ideal for batting.
- Some chance of overcast weather, but no rain forecast on Day 5.
- Watchful scenario: India might use spinners midday if the pitch offers turn.
Final Thoughts on India vs England 1st test match 2025
India regained control despite an early wobble, thanks to Rahul’s stability and Pant’s aggression. Setting a 371-run target puts England under immense pressure on a flat pitch.
The final day at Headingley promises fireworks—will England’s top order support a chase, or will India’s bowlers seal the deal?
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