Cricholic
🌀 Washington Sundar sparks England collapse
Washington Sundar turned the match around with a sensational four-wicket spell on Day 4 at Lord’s. Introduced late in the afternoon, he ran through the middle and lower order, finishing with career-best overseas figures of 4 for 22. His performance helped India bowl England out for just 192, shifting momentum firmly in India’s favour.
Although India gained control, England’s bowlers quickly responded. As a result, the visitors were reduced to 58/4 at Stumps. KL Rahul’s composed 33 off 60* provided some stability in a tense chase of 193.
🎯 Washington Sundar breaks key partnerships
Initially, Root and Stokes appeared comfortable against pace. However, Sundar’s introduction changed the rhythm. He bowled Joe Root with a skidding delivery, then dismissed Smith from the back foot. Shortly after, he sent back Ben Stokes—who was looking to sweep—before cleaning up Shoaib Bashir to cap off a brilliant spell.
Consequently, England collapsed from a promising 174/6 to just 192. Sundar’s accuracy and variations proved too good on a pitch offering unpredictable bounce.
🔥 Support from Bumrah and Siraj builds pressure
Meanwhile, Bumrah and Siraj played a key role in applying pressure early on. Siraj removed Duckett with a sharp bouncer and trapped Pope LBW after sustained pressure. Bumrah, on the other hand, returned late in the innings and delivered two unplayable yorkers to bowl Woakes and Carse.
In addition, Nitish Reddy claimed Crawley at gully, and Akash Deep cleaned up Harry Brook, helping India control the flow of runs throughout the innings.
💥 India’s chase starts with early setbacks
Chasing 193, India lost Jaiswal in the very first over, as Archer surprised him with extra bounce. Then, Karun Nair was trapped LBW by a swinging delivery from Carse. Not long after, Shubman Gill edged one back to Carse following an uncertain start.
Furthermore, nightwatchman Akash Deep was bowled by Stokes before stumps. Despite these setbacks, KL Rahul remained unfazed at the other end, fighting hard to keep India in the game.
🧱 KL Rahul holds India together
Rahul absorbed pressure and capitalized on scoring opportunities whenever they came. He timed Archer and Woakes through the off-side and worked the ball around with precision. Even though England were relentless, Rahul’s judgement and patience stood out.
Heading into Day 5, India need another 135 runs with just six wickets in hand, but Rahul’s presence is a huge boost.
📊 Brief Scores
England 387 & 192
(Joe Root 40, Ben Stokes 33; Washington Sundar 4-22, Siraj 2-31, Bumrah 2-34)
India 387 & 58/4
(KL Rahul 33*; Carse 2-11, Stokes 1-15)
➡️ India need 135 runs to win
🧠 Match Context
- Washington Sundar’s best overseas Test figures.
- England collapsed after Root-Stokes stand.
- Indian top order under pressure again.
- Rahul remains the key heading into Day 5.
