The fourth day of the second Check between England and India at Edgbaston delivered a second of sheer fast-bowling artistry, as Josh Tongue unleashed a devastating supply that dismantled KL Rahul’s center stump. This spectacular dismissal despatched quick shockwaves via the Indian dressing room and ignited a fervent roar from the house crowd, marking a big turning level within the contest.
India entered Day 4 in a commanding place, holding a formidable 244-run lead with 9 wickets nonetheless in hand. Rahul, alongside Karun Nair, resumed their innings with a transparent intent: to bat England utterly out of competition. The pitch, whereas providing some help to the seamers, remained largely beneficial for batting, and India’s technique was evident – to set a goal properly past England’s attain. Rahul, particularly, was batting with exceptional poise and authority. The suitable-hander efficiently weathered the early morning motion, taking part in a sequence of stylish strokes that prompt he was poised for a considerable rating. Nonetheless, Tongue, who had been diligently trying to find his rhythm all through the match, discovered his second of inspiration when his workforce wanted it most.
Josh Tongue’s spellbinding supply to take away KL Rahul
Charging in from the Pavilion Finish, Tongue delivered a full-length ball that originally angled sharply into Rahul. Crucially, the supply then straightened off the seam with pinpoint precision. Rahul, anticipating the ball to proceed its inward trajectory, misjudged the road utterly. The ball snaked previous his bat with breathtaking pace and accuracy, crashing into the center stump and sending it cartwheeling spectacularly out of the bottom. The Edgbaston trustworthy erupted in a deafening cheer as Tongue celebrated what is going to undoubtedly be remembered as some of the distinctive deliveries of the summer season.
Right here’s the video:
Center stump = REMOVED pic.twitter.com/M1lBH3Gnbh
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) July 5, 2025
This breakthrough by Tongue arrived at a crucial juncture. With Rahul comfortably settled on 55 and India’s lead steadily increasing, England was in determined want of a spark to reignite their problem. The dismissal not solely eliminated a well-set batsman but in addition injected a palpable surge of power into the English bowling assault. The sight of Rahul’s center stump being uprooted served as a strong reminder of the enduring worth of relentless, correct quick bowling, even on a seemingly placid floor.
Additionally WATCH: Rishabh Pant left in awe of Harry Brook’s distinctive stroke on Day 3 of ENG vs IND Edgbaston Check
India takes 357-run lead until lunch on Day 4
Earlier within the match, England showcased exceptional resilience with the bat. After a disastrous begin noticed them lowered to a precarious 84 for five, a document sixth-wicket partnership between the magnificent Jamie Smith, who remained unbeaten on 184, and the equally spectacular Harry Brook, who contributed 158, spearheaded a exceptional restoration. Their heroics propelled England’s first innings complete to 407. Regardless of this spirited fightback, Mohammed Siraj’s excellent six-wicket haul ensured India secured an important 180-run first-innings lead.
India’s second innings begun with their openers accelerating quickly, forging a fifty-run partnership at an aggressive fee of practically seven runs an over. Yashasvi Jaiswal was the primary to depart, falling to a different sharp inswinger from Tongue. Rahul and Nair had then labored diligently to consolidate the innings, however Tongue’s “jaffa” to Rahul has now offered England with a vital glimmer of hope. They may now be trying to limit India’s complete and hold the goal inside a chaseable vary.
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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