Leeds, June 24 (UNI) As England marched past 180 without losing a wicket on Day 5, few would have predicted the turnaround that followed. But India's comeback was sparked by two bowlers not always in the spotlight—Prasidh Krishna and Shardul Thakur—who combined to derail England’s chase and bring the visitors roaring back into the Test match.
At lunch, England stood tall at 117 for no loss, chasing 371. The Indian bowlers had looked toothless under heavy skies, with Ben Duckett punishing anything loose and Zak Crawley grinding out a steady half-century. Duckett’s imperious form continued post-lunch as he surged past three figures, racing to 149 with a display of fearless strokeplay—especially against the spinners, whom he reverse swept with impunity.
But then came the turning point. Prasidh Krishna, having struggled for rhythm early on, finally got his radar right. In the 41st over, he got the breakthrough India so badly needed—Zak Crawley, looking to steer one through the off side, edged behind. The relief was visible on Krishna’s face as the partnership of 181 was finally broken.
Krishna wasn’t done. A few overs later, he removed Ollie Pope cheaply, trapping him in front. Suddenly, England were 190 for 2, and the tide began to shift. Rain then interrupted play briefly, but it only delayed what would be a devastating spell from Shardul Thakur.
Returning with renewed energy, Thakur struck gold in his very first over after the break. Duckett, just one short of a deserving 150, attempted a drive only to hit it straight to cover. The timing of the wicket couldn’t have been better for India.
In his very next over, Thakur got rid of Harry Brook—a key middle-order player—leg before wicket. India went for a review after the on-field umpire turned down the appeal, and it proved to be a game-changing decision. Brook had to walk, and England, who were once cruising at 181 without loss, suddenly found themselves at 250 for 4.
While the scoreboard read 269 for 4 at tea, it was India who walked off with heads held high. Joe Root and Ben Stokes were still at the crease, but with four wickets gone in the span of 22 overs, England’s once-smooth chase now had cracks.
What made the spells from Krishna and Thakur significant was not just the wickets, but the timing. Crawley’s fall opened the door, Pope’s added pressure, Duckett’s departure was the real blow, and Brook’s dismissal broke the backbone of England’s middle order.
Krishna’s persistence paid off after early frustration. He ended the session with figures that may not tell the full story but reflect a bowler who adapted quickly under pressure. Thakur, meanwhile, used the rain break to reset and returned with a vengeance, proving once again why he’s India’s man for crisis moments.
With 102 runs still to get and six wickets remaining, England’s hopes hinge on two of their most experienced campaigners. But India’s bowlers, led by the unlikely duo of Krishna and Thakur, have ensured that this Test is headed for a dramatic finale.
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