IND vs ENG Live: India Lead by 159 at Lunch, Rahul-Pant Steady After Early Jolt

IND vs ENG Live: India exercised caution on a lively bowling pitch and only managed 63 runs off England on the fourth morning Monday (June 23, 2025) of the series-opening Headingley Test.

India came in at 153-3 for lunch, setting a total lead of 159 to include its second innings.

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After India's captain Shubman Gill was caught out to the seventh ball of the day, England might have expected to see another wicket or two go with the ball nipping about in bright but windy conditions. While England bowled well, the conditions remained edgy with the raised anticipation.

Lokesh Rahul was dropped on 58, which, other than that, the two batters buckled down in their own contrasting styles.

Rahul, with the blanch responsibility as India's senior batter, started on 47 and progressed to 72, having only added 25 runs off 82 balls in the session.

Despite some nice leaves and superb defence, Rahul was dropped when he attempted to steer pacer Josh Tongue and get it past Harry Brook at gully. Unfortunately, Brook could not bring down the delivery which was 142kph (88 mph) and came from above his head.

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Pant was a liability for England, as well as for himself. He had a few radical swipes, with no composure or clue about where the ball was going. The second ball he faced cleared the slips. One of his own fallover ramps was unsuccessful and England reviewed for LBW, but Pant had got an inside edge.

Next to Rahul's steady and calm presence, Pant was completely chaotic and required a back massage during the drinks break. At lunch he was 31 from 59 balls.

Gill had moved from six overnight to eight when, in trying to cut Brydon Carse, he chopped on to his own off stump. The wicket felt like a hammer blow to India's hopes so early in the fourth day, but Rahul and Pant soaked everything England could offer them.

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