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England and India continue to engage in a see-saw tussle in the ongoing second Test at Lords Cricket Ground in London. Day 4 saw comebacks from both sides as the contest is poised well balanced with one day to go.
After losing openers KL Rahul (5) and Rohit Sharma (21), along with skipper Virat Kohli (20), the middle-order duo of Cheteshwar Pujara (45) and Ajinkya Rahane (61) stabilised the innings and took the team out of trouble. The experienced pair ended up adding a much-needed 100-run stand to steady India’s second innings.
However, the hosts fought back by dismissing three wickets in quick succession. Mark Wood broke the partnership between Pujara and Rahane to give his side a sigh of relief. He dismissed Pujara with an absolute snorter.
The dismissal of Pujara brought back two more scalps for England as Moeen Ali removed Indian vice-captain Rahane and super all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja (3). India reached 181/6 in 82 overs before bad lights forced the officials to announce early stumps. Indian wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant (14 no) and Ishant Sharma (4 no) are at the crease.
Here is how Twitter reacted:
Love Test cricket
— Isa Guha (@isaguha)
Should England have continued with spinners for few overs tonite or go for new ball tomorrow? Even 10-15 runs could make big difference to either side’s fortunes. Fate of match depends on what Pant does tomorrow
— Cricketwallah (@cricketwallah)
WinViz as it stands:
England – 36%
India – 23%
Draw – 41%— The CricViz Analyst (@cricvizanalyst)
Moeen dismissed Rahane for 8th time in Test cricket
— Sarang Bhalerao (@bhaleraosarang)
Not sure India will be unhappy about seeing that ball jump off a good length with England to bat last…
— Rob Johnston (@RobJ_Cricket)
India's lead now is 154 runs with four wkts remaining.
Only on 3 occasions, India has successfully defended targets of 170 or less in Tests – both v Australia 107 at Mumbai 2004 and 143 at Melbourne 1981.
And once 170 v SAf at Ahmedabad 1996— Mohandas Menon (@mohanstatsman)
Let me tell you a kutti story.. The main character is missing..
— Wasim Jaffer (@WasimJaffer14)
http://twitter.com/fwildecricket/status/1426939193293512711
Nicely poised for Day 5. India struggled to score 200 in a day on Day 4. No reason to believe England will find run scoring easier on Day 5. If Pant can add 50 more with the tail somehow, England would be in two minds about going for the target or playing for a draw.
— cricBC (@cricBC)
An attritional day of Test cricket! 👌
India scored 181 runs for the loss of 6 wickets, but it was the 💯-run stand between Rahane & Pujara that stole the show 👏
Pant with the tail on the final day. What’s in store? 🤔
— Punjab Kings (@PunjabKingsIPL)
Stumps at Lord's🏏
Late strikes ensure the hosts end day four on a high! | |
— ICC (@ICC)
