Trisha Ghosal in Leeds
With 90 overs left in the match and all four results on the table, the Headingley Test is set for a riveting finish. India posted 364 in their second innings, thanks to contrasting yet crucial centuries from KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant. Rahul was all poise and precision, driving with elegance and discipline, while Pant brought his familiar chaos — defensive grit laced with attacking bursts — before falling to Shoaib Bashir in the deep.
India collapsed after Pant’s dismissal, losing their last six wickets for just 31 runs, once again exposing their vulnerability with the tail. England now need 350 on the final day after ending Day 4 on 21/0. With rain in the forecast and the pitch offering some help for spinners from the footmarks, it’s set up to be a tactical and tense finale.
England pacer Josh Tongue, who took key wickets including nearly claiming a hat-trick, spoke confidently at the post-match press conference.
On Missing the Hat-Trick
“It’s a shame I couldn’t get the hat-trick,” Tongue admitted, having dismissed Shardul Thakur and Jasprit Bumrah in consecutive deliveries before Jadeja survived.
“But the first 35–40 minutes tomorrow will be crucial. That’s when it’s going to swing either way.”
🚨Josh Tongue PC
Will Go for the chase – Stokes’ Ashes knock motivates us : Josh Tongue.
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— RevSportz Global (@RevSportzGlobal) June 23, 2025
On the Target of 371
“We can chase anything,” Tongue declared, echoing England’s aggressive new-age philosophy under Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum.
“Our batting line-up is deep, and we’re confident. I remember Stokes pulling off a successful chase here — not sure why we can’t do it again.”
On the Dressing Room Mood and Messaging
“We’re going for the chase tomorrow,” Tongue revealed, adding that there’s no real talk of playing for a draw.
“There’s no reason we can’t chase it down. The plan is to assess things by lunch and take it from there. But the intent is clear — go for the win.”
The words may be bold, but England’s belief is real and familiar. If history repeats itself at Headingley, we may be in for another Bazball blockbuster. But for that to happen, England must first survive Bumrah’s opening spell and handle the looming Leeds weather.
The countdown to cricket theatre has begun.
Also Read: The Great Headingley Time Heist: England’s Openers Play the Clock to Avoid Bumrah