Leeds, Jun 23 (UNI) A composed and determined knock from KL Rahul anchored India to 153 for 3 at lunch on Day 4 of the first Test against England at Headingley, as the visitors navigated a slow-moving morning session marked by tight bowling and testing conditions.
Rahul, resuming on his overnight score, brought up a well-constructed half-century off 87 balls, blending patience with controlled aggression. He held firm against England’s probing seamers, even surviving a near-miss when Chris Woakes beat him with a superb delivery that zipped past his off stump. A dropped catch by Ben Duckett at gully further aided Rahul’s stay, allowing him to push on to 72 not out at the interval.
India, starting the day at 90 for 2, added just 63 runs in 28 overs, the slowest session of the match so far, with a scoring rate just over 2.5 runs per over. The drop in tempo was largely due to disciplined bowling from the English attack, particularly Brydon Carse and Woakes.
Carse struck the only blow of the session, removing Shubman Gill early with a delivery that moved off the seam. He continued to trouble the batsmen with his pace and lateral movement, while Woakes maintained pressure with his consistent swing and line.
Rishabh Pant brought his usual flair to the crease, starting aggressively and riding his luck early. He survived an LBW appeal thanks to an inside edge and top-edged a sweep off a rising Carse delivery that narrowly evaded fine leg. Settling down as the session wore on, Pant supported Rahul effectively as the pair compiled a steady 50-run stand of 117 balls.
There were minor interruptions from passing rain, but play remained largely unaffected. The partnership between Rahul and Pant has helped India regain some footing after an early setback, though England will feel they are still in the hunt after a controlled bowling display.
As the teams break for lunch with Rahul on 72 and Pant on 31, the match remains delicately poised with all outcomes still possible heading into the afternoon session.
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