India’s control of the second Test tightened on day four as Pant’s cameo boosted India’s lead to a commanding 357 runs by lunch. A composed fifty from KL Rahul and a typically aggressive knock from Rishabh Pant ensured England remained firmly on the back foot.
KL Rahul Anchors Before Departing
Starting the morning on 28, KL Rahul played with discipline under heavy cloud cover and floodlights. Although challenged by Brydon Carse, he remained steady. Karun Nair, however, wasn’t as fortunate, falling for 26 after a testing spell from Carse.
Rahul reached his fifty with precision strokeplay before Josh Tongue produced a beauty. The delivery, full and angled in, moved away late and crashed into Rahul’s stumps, dismissing him for 55. Nevertheless, the foundation had been laid.
Pant’s Cameo Boosts India’s Lead Rapidly
Walking in with intent, Pant’s cameo boosted India’s lead in emphatic style. He charged at his fourth ball and lofted Tongue over his head for six. A dropped catch at mid-off by Zak Crawley gave Pant a life, which he capitalised on with powerful strokes.
Pant continued the assault with a slog-swept six off Tongue and followed that up with three boundaries off Shoaib Bashir. Despite losing his grip on the bat at one point, he kept England under pressure with his fearless approach.
India Set Up Big Total for England to Chase
At the other end, Shubman Gill held his ground with composure. India will soon have to decide how many runs are enough on this pitch. With the lead already 357, and with memories of England’s record chase at the same venue in 2022, setting a target well beyond 378 seems certain.
By lunch, India had reached 177 for 3, firmly dictating terms. If Pant’s cameo boosts India’s lead further in the next session, England will face an uphill battle.
