Leeds– India clawed their way back into a tense contest at Headingley, thanks to a pivotal double-strike by Shardul Thakur on Day 5 of the first Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy. England, chasing a record 371 for victory, went into Tea at 269/4 — still needing 102 runs with six wickets in hand — as dark clouds and a light drizzle forced an early break.
Just as England seemed to be cruising, Thakur (2-28) and Prasidh Krishna (2-69) delivered timely blows to pull India back into the match.
The day began brightly for the hosts, with openers Ben Duckett and Zak Crawley extending their partnership to 188 — England’s highest fourth-innings opening stand at Headingley. Duckett, the aggressor, raced to his sixth Test century off just 121 balls and went on to score a commanding 149. He had a moment of luck on 97 when Yashasvi Jaiswal dropped a catch at deep square leg, his third missed opportunity of the match.
Crawley also looked composed, pulling Krishna to the boundary to push England past 200. But Krishna responded immediately, inducing an edge that KL Rahul pouched at slip to end the mammoth stand. Krishna then bowled Ollie Pope for just 8, the ball taking an inside edge before crashing into the stumps.
Duckett continued to keep England in the hunt with bold strokeplay, including a reverse slap for six off Ravindra Jadeja. But the tide turned again when Shubman Gill reintroduced Shardul Thakur into the attack. Thakur struck with his very first over, removing Duckett with a loose half-volley that was driven straight to substitute Nitish Kumar Reddy at extra cover.
He followed it up with a stunning double-strike, dismissing Harry Brook for a golden duck via a leg-side strangle. Suddenly, India had their opening.
Ben Stokes and Joe Root were at the crease when tea was taken, both playing cautiously as India tightened the screws. A failed review by India for a short-leg catch against Stokes added to the tension.
With 102 runs still required and rain hovering over Headingley, the match is delicately poised — setting the stage for a dramatic final session.
Brief scores:
India 471 & 364 lead England 465 & 269/4 in 58.3 overs (Ben Duckett 149, Joe Root 14*; Shardul Thakur 2-28, Prasidh Krishna 2-69) by 102 runs (Source: IANS)
