 "KL Rahul smashed a fine century on Day 4 of the 1st Test. Image: Reuters")
India opener KL Rahul said the team is confident about taking all 10 England wickets on the final day of the first Test at Headingley. India have set England a big target of 371 runs, and Rahul believes a result is surely coming.
India were bowled out for 364 in their second innings, with Rahul scoring 137 and Rishabh Pant smashing 118. The duo added 195 runs for the fourth wicket and took India to a strong position after losing captain Shubman Gill early in the day.
“Blockbuster finish waiting tomorrow. There’s definitely going to be a result. That’s what England have said openly and it gives us the opportunity to pick up 10 wickets,” Rahul said at the press conference after stumps on Day 4, referring to England pacer Josh Tongue’s comments after the close of play.
England say they will go for chase
Tongue, who took 3 wickets for 72 runs, said the mood in the England camp was positive and that they would go for a result tomorrow. This England team is known for its aggressive style of play, which they like to call ‘Bazball.’ England have shown in the past that they can chase big totals even on the last day of a Test match.
“Go for the chase tomorrow, that’s the messaging in the dressing room. There’s no reason we can’t chase it down. Hopefully, we won’t be in a situation to play out for a draw. See where we are at lunch and calculate,” he said.
Impact Shorts
More ShortsRahul believes batting won’t be easy on Day 5
Meanwhile, Rahul said the pitch was tricky and could get tougher on Day 5. He also admitted that India were looking for a bigger lead but couldn’t get there. India collapsed from 333/5 to 364 all out, losing five wickets for just 31 runs, including three ducks in the lower order.
“Today was a tricky wicket. Tomorrow it might break even more. We’ll give ourselves the best chance to pick up the 10 wickets. At tea, there was a little bit of discussion on how much we need, or whether to give them (England) a few overs to bat and pick up a few wickets. Ideally, we would have wanted about 40 runs more,” he added.
With England needing 350 more runs and all wickets still in hand, and India needing 10 wickets, fans can expect a thrilling final day at Headingley on Tuesday.