India Dominates as Siraj, Akash Deep Rattle England on Day 4: 7 Wickets Away from Series Leveling Win

With a daunting 608-run target on board, India ends Day 4 on a high as Mohammed Siraj and Akash Deep dismantle England’s top order at Edgbaston, putting visitors in pole position to level the Test series 1-1.

Birmingham [UK], July 6: India’s bowling duo Mohammed Siraj and Akash Deep tore through England’s top-order with the new ball on Day 4 of the second Test at Edgbaston, leaving the hosts reeling at 72/3 and still 556 runs short of a record-breaking chase. With just seven wickets needed on the final day, India is within striking distance of leveling the five-match series 1-1, following a day that showcased complete dominance from the visitors with both bat and ball.

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After setting England an insurmountable 608-run target, India ended Day 4 in total control thanks to the incisive pace attack from Siraj and Akash Deep. The English top order had no answers as they lost three wickets in 16 overs, with Harry Brook (15)* and Ollie Pope (24)* fighting to survive until stumps.

Siraj wasted no time, dismissing Zak Crawley for a seven-ball duck. Crawley misjudged an outswinger, pushing at a delivery he should’ve left and edging it to substitute fielder Sai Sudharsan.

Akash Deep, who impressed with his energy and sharp movement, was initially denied Ben Duckett’s wicket due to a successful review. But Duckett couldn’t hang on for long — Akash jagged one back to shatter the stumps, removing the opener for a quick 25 off 15 balls.

Joe Root, one of England’s most dependable batters, became Akash’s next victim. Tempted by a length delivery, Root misread it entirely as it breezed past his bat to hit the top of off. He departed for just 6, leaving England teetering.

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Gill’s Bazball and India’s Brutal Declaration

Before the pace carnage, Shubman Gill and Ravindra Jadeja set the tone with explosive batting after Tea. Jadeja launched the first shot with a massive six down the ground, followed by Gill hammering Chris Woakes for a six and two fours in his opening three deliveries.

Gill raced to 161 (162) before getting out to Shoaib Bashir, ending a stunning innings that complemented his first-innings double century (269). India declared soon after at 427/6, having built a commanding 608-run lead.

Contributions came from across the batting order:

• Rishabh Pant fired a fiery 65 (58) before getting caught at long-off.
• KL Rahul struck a composed 55 in the morning session.
• Jadeja added valuable runs with an unbeaten 39, forming a key stand with Gill.
• Washington Sundar smashed a 7-ball 12 to accelerate the total before the declaration.

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Earlier in the Day

India resumed Day 4 at 64/1, with Rahul (28)* and Karun Nair (7)* at the crease. Nair departed early for 26, and Rahul brought up his half-century with finesse before being bowled by Josh Tongue. From there, Pant and Gill counterattacked, notching a 110-run partnership off just 92 balls, sending England bowlers on a leather hunt.

India’s scoring milestones came thick and fast:

• 200 runs in 41.2 overs
• 250 in 52.2
• 300 in 64.5
• 400-run lead achieved with a Pant six
• Gill’s century came in 129 balls, his 8th Test ton

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England’s Struggles and India’s Bowling Prowess

England had earlier fought back from 89/5 in their first innings, thanks to an incredible 303-run partnership between Jamie Smith (184)* and Harry Brook (158). But India’s first-innings 587, powered by Gill’s 269 and Siraj’s 6/70, gave them a hefty 180-run lead.

England now faces the near-impossible task of chasing 556 runs on the final day with just seven wickets in hand. India, on the other hand, will be looking to finish off the job and square the series, setting up a thrilling final three Tests.

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