Headingley, Leeds – June 23, 2025:
As the Headingley Test between India and England enters a crucial fourth day, India hold a slender advantage. With a second innings lead of 96 runs and eight wickets in hand, the focus now shifts to how the Indian batters approach Day 4 and how the match could unfold from here. Here’s a look at the ideal strategy and a detailed prediction.
Cautious Start Vital for Top Order:
India began their second innings cautiously, finishing Day 3 at 90/2, with KL Rahul unbeaten on 47 and Shubman Gill not out on 6. With cloud cover and moisture expected early on Day 4, the Indian openers will need to show patience, leaving balls outside off and playing close to the body. The first hour could be decisive in dictating the tempo of the day.
Aim for a 180+ Lead Before Lunch:
Analysts suggest India should target a total lead of 180 to 200 runs before the second new ball comes into play. With the pitch still offering good bounce and occasional seam movement, a measured approach in the first session followed by controlled aggression after lunch would be ideal. KL Rahul, in particular, will be key to building the innings.
Also Read: Jasprit Bumrah: The Undisputed God of Indian Fast Bowling!
Middle Order Must Consolidate:
India’s middle order featuring Gill, debutant Sudharsan (or Jaiswal, depending on the playing XI), and captain Shubman Gill must avoid soft dismissals. India’s average run rate on Day 4 in Tests overseas has historically hovered around 4.2, which they’ll look to maintain once the ball softens. Timing the acceleration will be crucial to keep England on the back foot.
Weather Likely to Stay Clear:
According to the latest weather updates, Day 4 is expected to be mostly dry with intermittent clouds but minimal threat of rain. The conditions may favour seamers early in the morning but should flatten out by the second session, giving batters more room to play shots.
Fielding Must Improve:
India’s bowlers, led by Jasprit Bumrah, were let down by as many as six dropped catches and multiple no-balls in the first innings. If India are to defend their total successfully, they must tighten up their fielding and seize every half-chance, especially in the slip cordon.
Day 4 Prediction: Advantage India If They Bat Well:
If India can add another 100–120 runs to their lead, they will be in a commanding position. A total lead in excess of 200 will allow the likes of Bumrah, Siraj, and Prasidh Krishna to bowl with freedom under potentially cloudy skies on Day 5. Expect India to bat until Tea, then possibly declare or get bowled out, giving themselves over four sessions to bowl England out again.
The Headingley Test remains finely balanced, but India hold the edge thanks to Bumrah’s brilliance and a solid start in the second innings. A disciplined batting display and sharper fielding on Day 4 could well tilt the Test in India’s favour and possibly set them on course for a rare series-opening win on English soil.
