India-England Test: Back-to-back centuries; Pant, Rahul power India to commanding position

India’s batting stars Rishabh Pant and KL Rahul lit up Day 4 of the first Test against England with spectacular centuries, putting the visitors in a commanding position at the Headingley Cricket Stadium.

Following KL Rahul’s composed century earlier in the day, wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant launched a counterattack on the English bowling lineup, smashing a brilliant 118 in just 140 balls. His aggressive innings featured 13 boundaries and 2 towering sixes, marking his second century of the match. Pant had already impressed with a 134-run knock in the first innings.

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India had posted a formidable 471 in their first innings, before England mounted a spirited response, scoring 465 and narrowing the lead to just six runs. However, India’s second innings started shakily. Opener Yashasvi Jaiswal departed early, followed by Sai Sudharsan (30) and captain Shubman Gill, who managed just 8 runs.

Amid the early setbacks, Rahul anchored the innings with a gritty century, reaching the milestone off 202 balls with 13 crisp boundaries. His partnership with Pant turned the tide decisively in India’s favour. The duo’s centuries not only stabilized the innings but also extended India’s lead to a formidable 291 runs with seven wickets still in hand.

At stumps on Day 4, India stood strong at 297 for 3 in their second innings. With a healthy lead and two in-form centurions, the visitors have placed themselves in a dominant position heading into the final day of the Test match.

If India maintains this momentum, they look set to push for a win and take a 1-0 lead in the Test series.