ENG vs IND [WATCH]: Josh Tongue uproots KL Rahul’s middle-stump with an absolute jaffa in Edgbaston Test

The fourth day of the second Test between England and India at Edgbaston delivered a moment of sheer fast-bowling artistry, as Josh Tongue unleashed a devastating delivery that dismantled KL Rahul’s middle stump. This spectacular dismissal sent immediate shockwaves through the Indian dressing room and ignited a fervent roar from the home crowd, marking a significant turning point in the contest.

India entered Day 4 in a commanding position, holding a formidable 244-run lead with nine wickets still in hand. Rahul, alongside Karun Nair, resumed their innings with a clear intent: to bat England completely out of contention. The pitch, while offering some assistance to the seamers, remained largely favourable for batting, and India’s strategy was evident – to set a target well beyond England’s reach. Rahul, in particular, was batting with remarkable poise and authority. The right-hander successfully weathered the early morning movement, playing a series of elegant strokes that suggested he was poised for a substantial score. However, Tongue, who had been diligently searching for his rhythm throughout the match, found his moment of inspiration when his team needed it most.

Josh Tongue’s spellbinding delivery to remove KL Rahul

Charging in from the Pavilion End, Tongue delivered a full-length ball that initially angled sharply into Rahul. Crucially, the delivery then straightened off the seam with pinpoint precision. Rahul, anticipating the ball to continue its inward trajectory, misjudged the line completely. The ball snaked past his bat with breathtaking speed and accuracy, crashing into the middle stump and sending it cartwheeling spectacularly out of the ground. The Edgbaston faithful erupted in a deafening cheer as Tongue celebrated what will undoubtedly be remembered as one of the most exceptional deliveries of the summer.

Here’s the video:

Middle stump = REMOVED

— England Cricket (@englandcricket)

This breakthrough by Tongue arrived at a critical juncture. With Rahul comfortably settled on 55 and India’s lead steadily expanding, England was in desperate need of a spark to reignite their challenge. The dismissal not only removed a well-set batsman but also injected a palpable surge of energy into the English bowling attack. The sight of Rahul’s middle stump being uprooted served as a powerful reminder of the enduring value of relentless, accurate fast bowling, even on a seemingly placid surface.

Also WATCH: Rishabh Pant left in awe of Harry Brook’s unique stroke on Day 3 of ENG vs IND Edgbaston Test

India takes 357-run lead till lunch on Day 4

Earlier in the match, England showcased remarkable resilience with the bat. After a disastrous start saw them reduced to a precarious 84 for 5, a record sixth-wicket partnership between the magnificent Jamie Smith, who remained unbeaten on 184, and the equally impressive Harry Brook, who contributed 158, spearheaded a remarkable recovery. Their heroics propelled England’s first innings total to 407. Despite this spirited fightback, Mohammed Siraj’s outstanding six-wicket haul ensured India secured a vital 180-run first-innings lead.

India’s second innings begun with their openers accelerating rapidly, forging a fifty-run partnership at an aggressive rate of nearly seven runs an over. Yashasvi Jaiswal was the first to depart, falling to another sharp inswinger from Tongue. Rahul and Nair had then worked diligently to consolidate the innings, but Tongue’s “jaffa” to Rahul has now provided England with a crucial glimmer of hope. They will now be looking to restrict India’s total and keep the target within a chaseable range.

At lunch, India reached 177/3 with a lead of 357 runs, as Rishabh Pant remained unbeaten on 41 and captain Shubman Gill on 24.

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