The fourth day of the second Test between England and India at Edgbaston delivered a second of sheer fast-bowling artistry, as Josh Tongue unleashed a devastating supply that dismantled KL Rahul’s center stump. This spectacular dismissal despatched instant shockwaves via the Indian dressing room and ignited a fervent roar from the house crowd, marking a big turning level within the contest.
India entered Day 4 in a commanding place, holding a formidable 244-run lead with 9 wickets nonetheless in hand. Rahul, alongside Karun Nair, resumed their innings with a transparent intent: to bat England utterly out of competition. The pitch, whereas providing some help to the seamers, remained largely beneficial for batting, and India’s technique was evident – to set a goal nicely past England’s attain. Rahul, particularly, was batting with outstanding poise and authority. The precise-hander efficiently weathered the early morning motion, enjoying a sequence of chic strokes that prompt he was poised for a considerable rating. Nonetheless, Tongue, who had been diligently trying to find his rhythm all through the match, discovered his second of inspiration when his workforce wanted it most.
Josh Tongue’s spellbinding supply to take away KL Rahul
Charging in from the Pavilion Finish, Tongue delivered a full-length ball that originally angled sharply into Rahul. Crucially, the supply then straightened off the seam with pinpoint precision. Rahul, anticipating the ball to proceed its inward trajectory, misjudged the road utterly. The ball snaked previous his bat with breathtaking pace and accuracy, crashing into the center stump and sending it cartwheeling spectacularly out of the bottom. The Edgbaston devoted erupted in a deafening cheer as Tongue celebrated what’s going to undoubtedly be remembered as one of the crucial distinctive deliveries of the summer season.
Right here’s the video:
Center stump = REMOVED pic.twitter.com/M1lBH3Gnbh
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) July 5, 2025
This breakthrough by Tongue arrived at a important juncture. With Rahul comfortably settled on 55 and India’s lead steadily increasing, England was in determined want of a spark to reignite their problem. The dismissal not solely eliminated a well-set batsman but additionally injected a palpable surge of power into the English bowling assault. The sight of Rahul’s center stump being uprooted served as a robust reminder of the enduring worth of relentless, correct quick bowling, even on a seemingly placid floor.
Additionally WATCH: Rishabh Pant left in awe of Harry Brook’s unique stroke on Day 3 of ENG vs IND Edgbaston Test
India takes 357-run lead until lunch on Day 4
Earlier within the match, England showcased outstanding resilience with the bat. After a disastrous begin noticed them decreased to a precarious 84 for five, a file sixth-wicket partnership between the magnificent Jamie Smith, who remained unbeaten on 184, and the equally spectacular Harry Brook, who contributed 158, spearheaded a outstanding restoration. Their heroics propelled England’s first innings whole to 407. Regardless of this spirited fightback, Mohammed Siraj’s excellent six-wicket haul ensured India secured an important 180-run first-innings lead.
India’s second innings begun with their openers accelerating quickly, forging a fifty-run partnership at an aggressive fee of almost seven runs an over. Yashasvi Jaiswal was the primary to depart, falling to a different sharp inswinger from Tongue. Rahul and Nair had then labored diligently to consolidate the innings, however Tongue’s “jaffa” to Rahul has now offered England with an important glimmer of hope. They are going to now be trying to limit India’s whole and hold the goal inside a chaseable vary.
At lunch, India reached 177/3 with a lead of 357 runs, as Rishabh Pant remained unbeaten on 41 and captain Shubman Gill on 24.
Additionally READ: ENG vs IND – Sunil Gavaskar’s record tumbles as Yashasvi Jaiswal joins Indian greats Rahul Dravid and Virender Sehwag
