England Seize Control with Late Burst on Dramatic Day 4 at Lord's
Lord's, London: England ripped through India's middle and lower order in a dramatic final session on Day 4 at Lord's, tilting the second Test heavily in their favour. After setting India a target of 135 runs for victory, the home side picked up three crucial wickets in the final hour, leaving the visitors teetering at 57 for 4 at stumps, still needing 78 runs with only six wickets in hand.
The evening began with India facing a tricky period before the close. The start was far from ideal as opener Yashaswi Jaiswal fell for a duck for the second time in the match, caught by the keeper off Jofra Archer in the second over, replicating his first-innings dismissal.
KL Rahul and Karun Nair then attempted to provide some stability, navigating the new ball threat and building a small partnership of 36 runs. However, just past the halfway mark of the session, Brydon Carse struck a vital blow. Nair (14) shouldered arms to a nip-backer and was trapped plumb LBW, an error in judgement that opened the door for England with around 30 minutes of play remaining.
The dismissal brought India's captain Shubman Gill to the crease, who immediately faced a hostile England setup, with fielders engaging in vocal exchanges right from his arrival, possibly in response to earlier incidents in the match. Gill endured a tense few minutes, surviving a caught-behind review (overturned) off Carse and hitting a boundary off the same bowler. However, his stay was short-lived as Carse found his rhythm, trapping the Indian skipper LBW for 6 with another sharp nip-backer. The review showed three reds, sending Gill back and plunging India into further trouble at 53 for 3.
With just 15 minutes left in the day, India opted for nightwatchman Akash Deep. The young pacer faced a fiery spell, particularly from Carse, enduring appeals and close shaves, including a review for LBW that narrowly went in his favour (umpire's call). Tensions flared with animated exchanges between Carse and Akash Deep, leading to a brief delay for strapping.
However, the resistance was broken in the final over of the day. Captain Ben Stokes, bowling with renewed vigour, delivered a classic inswinger from a fullish length that beat Akash Deep's defence, flattening his off-stump. Akash Deep departed for 1 off 11 balls on the very last delivery, capping a sensational session for England.
KL Rahul remains unbeaten on 32 off 46 balls, carrying India's hopes into Day 5. However, with the lower order exposed and requiring 78 more runs, England will feel firmly in control. The Lord's crowd played their part, getting behind the home side as they went on a roll, creating an electric atmosphere.
Day 5 promises a thrilling conclusion, expected to be decided by the second session. India will need a monumental effort from Rahul and the remaining batters to defy England's resurgent bowling attack and chase down the target. Play is scheduled to resume nice and early tomorrow.
