Leeds, Jun 23 (UNI) India took complete control of the first Test at Headingley by Tea on Day 4, riding on dominant centuries from KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant to reach 298 for 4 in 75 overs — a lead of 304 runs over England.
Resuming on 153 for 3 at lunch, the pair of Rahul and Pant, who had steadily built the foundation in the morning, shifted gears through the second session. Rahul was the first to reach his century, a composed knock off 202 deliveries, marked by excellent shot selection and patience. Pant, who began watchfully, exploded post-lunch, completing his second century of the match in just 130 balls, peppered with 13 boundaries and 2 sixes.
The duo added 150 runs for the fourth wicket before Pant finally fell for 118, attempting to accelerate further. By then, however, the damage had been done — particularly in the first hour after lunch when Pant launched a ferocious assault on both spin and pace, throwing England’s bowlers off rhythm.
England tried varied tactics — including the short ball ploy and tempting Pant with width — but largely struggled with the softening ball and a lack of incisive support from the field. An early edge from Rahul went through a vacant slip region, summing up England’s fortunes.
At Tea, Rahul stood tall on 120* alongside Karun Nair (4*), with the new ball due in six overs. With a massive lead in hand and two full sessions remaining, India are now firmly in the driver's seat to push for victory.
Earlier, a composed and determined knock from Rahul anchored India to 153 for 3 at lunch. Resuming at 90 for 2, the visitors managed just 63 runs in the morning session, which was marked by tight bowling and a low scoring rate—the slowest of the match so far. Rahul, showing admirable patience and control, brought up his half-century off 87 deliveries and was unbeaten on 72 at the break.
The only wicket to fall in the session was that of Shubam Gill, who was undone early by Brydon Carse with a ball that seamed away sharply. Carse and Chris Woakes led England’s disciplined bowling effort, consistently troubling the batters with movement and control. Woakes came close to dismissing Rahul with a peach that beat the outside edge, while Ben Duckett's drop at gully gave the Indian opener a reprieve that could prove costly.
Pant injected some early flair into the session, surviving an lbw appeal and a mistimed top-edge that landed safely at fine leg. He later settled into a more cautious rhythm, putting together a steady 50-run partnership with Rahul off 117 balls.
Light showers caused brief interruptions, but the weather remained mostly favourable for play. With Rahul on 72 and Pant on 31, India have stabilised after the early loss, while England will look to break through in the afternoon and tilt the balance their way.
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