In a thrilling display of batting prowess at Headingley Stadium, Leeds, the first Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy has seen India take firm control over England, thanks largely to the commanding centuries from KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant on Day 4. By tea, India extended their lead to a commanding 304 runs, standing at 298 for 4 in their second innings after an impressive 145-run session.
KL Rahul, steady and composed, remained unbeaten on 120 runs, marking his ninth Test century with an elegant innings featuring 15 boundaries. His partnership with Rishabh Pant was nothing short of spectacular, with the duo stitching together a 195-run stand that revived memories of their previous hundred-run partnership at The Oval in 2018. Pant, in contrast to Rahul's composed style, played with aggression and flair, smashing 118 runs with 15 fours and three sixes, registering his eighth Test century in the match.
Pant's innings was historic on multiple fronts. He became the first Indian wicketkeeper and only the second wicketkeeper in Test cricket history, after Zimbabwe’s Andy Flower in 2001, to score centuries in both innings of a Test match outside India. This feat also placed him among an elite group of Indian batters who have scored centuries in both innings of a Test, joining the ranks of legends like Vijay Hazare, Sunil Gavaskar (who achieved it three times), Rahul Dravid, Virat Kohli, Ajinkya Rahane, and Rohit Sharma.
Moreover, Pant became the first Indian batter to score two hundreds in a Test match played in England. His second century came off 130 deliveries, peppered with 13 boundaries and 2 sixes, showcasing his aggressive yet calculated approach. Not only did Pant break records with the bat, but he also reached a milestone behind the stumps, becoming only the third Indian wicketkeeper to complete 150 catches in Test cricket.
The afternoon session was a masterclass in batting under pressure. Pant began with a flurry of boundaries off Josh Tongue and reached his half-century with a brace. He then launched two massive sixes off Shoaib Bashir before pulling Brydon Carse for another four. Rahul, playing the anchor role, rotated the strike effectively and punished loose deliveries, reaching his century with a crisp drive through cover for two runs.
Pant’s century was hard-earned, especially as he displayed patience during a 22-ball stretch, resisting tempting deliveries outside off stump from Bashir and Joe Root. Upon reaching his hundred with a stylish cut through deep point, Pant celebrated with a hug from Rahul and a quiet moment of gratitude, raising his bat to acknowledge the appreciative crowd. His innings continued with a flurry of boundaries before he was eventually dismissed by Bashir after miscuing a slog-sweep to long-on.
KL Rahul and Karun Nair responded swiftly, striking boundaries to push India’s lead past the 300-run mark before tea. The partnership between Rahul and Pant not only solidified India’s position but also placed immense pressure on the English bowling attack, which appeared increasingly ineffective as the ball wore down.
Earlier in the day, India had extended their lead to 159 runs by lunch, reaching 153 for 3. However, the session was not without its moments of tension. India captain Shubman Gill, who had made his highest Test score in the first innings, was dismissed for 8, caught after chopping onto his stumps. England’s Brydon Carse claimed his second wicket of the innings. England also came close to breakthroughs when Harry Brook dropped a difficult catch off KL Rahul on 58, and Pant survived a DRS review for LBW, adding to the drama of the contest.
Rishabh Pant’s performance has drawn widespread acclaim. Former India player Sanjay Manjrekar hailed him as “India’s greatest ever Test batter-keeper,” highlighting Pant’s consistency and flair. Manjrekar remarked, “By far, India’s greatest ever Test batter-keeper. I was worried when he was in the 90s that he might end up getting his 8th 90 of his career. It is just unbelievable that he has so many 90s! But he’s a breath of fresh air. When he got out and raised his bat, there were a lot of English supporters who stood up and applauded that innings. That’s what we love about England — these guys come to watch good cricket. They obviously want their team to win, but when they see excellence from the opposition, you can see true appreciation for it.”
The atmosphere at Headingley was electric, with cricket fans witnessing a rare and remarkable feat. Pant’s celebration after his second century was notably subdued compared to his usual handspring, as he opted for the “Dele Alli” football celebration instead. When former India captain Sunil Gavaskar encouraged him to bring back the handspring, Pant smiled and promised “next time.”
India’s bowling attack had earlier put up a strong fight, with Jasprit Bumrah taking five wickets for 83 runs, helping India restrict England to 465 runs in their first innings. England’s Ollie Pope was the standout batsman with a century, scoring 106 runs. In response, India’s first innings total of 471 provided a solid platform, and the second innings batting heroics by Rahul and Pant have now extended India’s lead significantly.
As the match progresses beyond tea on Day 4, India look well poised to press their advantage. With the second new ball due soon and accomplished batsmen at the crease, the hosts face a tough challenge to wrest control back from a confident Indian side. The English bowlers will need to find renewed inspiration to break the partnership and stem the flow of runs.
For cricket enthusiasts, this Test match offers a fascinating narrative of resilience, skill, and record-breaking performances. Rishabh Pant’s historic double century in the same match, combined with KL Rahul’s composed century, have not only tilted the contest in India’s favor but also enriched the annals of Test cricket history.
Brief Scores: India 471 & 298/4 in 75 overs (KL Rahul 120*, Rishabh Pant 118; Brydon Carse 2/62, Ben Stokes 1/40); England 465 in 100.4 overs (Ollie Pope 106; Jasprit Bumrah 5/83). India lead by 304 runs.
