Cricket

IND vs ENG: Pant and Rahul Heroics Put India in Command at Headingley

Published

4 weeks ago

June 24, 2025

Ray Sportz Web Desk: KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant lit up Day 4 at Headingley with sensational centuries, putting India in the driver’s seat in the first Test of the series. Their heroics helped set England a stiff target of 371 runs, a mountain to climb on a pitch starting to show its age.
India resumed the day at 96 for 2, but their hopes took an early hit when Shubman Gill was bowled by Brydon Carse for just 8. What followed, however, was a masterclass in Test batting.
Rahul and Pant stitched together a majestic 182-run stand for the fifth wicket, combining patience with flair to grind down England’s pace attack. Rahul was elegance personified, crafting a calm and composed 137, while Pant played with trademark aggression, blasting his way to 118 off just 140 balls—full of bold shots and dazzling footwork.
The tide briefly turned in England’s favor late in the day as India lost six wickets for just 16 runs under the pressure of the second new ball. Still, the visitors managed to post a strong 364 in their second innings, giving their bowlers plenty to work with.
England’s openers Zak Crawley (12*) and Ben Duckett (9*) managed to get through a nervy final session unscathed, ending the day on 21 without loss. But with 350 more runs needed and all ten wickets in hand, the home side faces a steep challenge on Day 5.
India will be confident heading into the final day, especially with Jasprit Bumrah, ready to make the most of the surface. A famous overseas victory is well within reach.

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Cricket

IND vs ENG: Chappell: Real Test Begins Now for Gill as India Trails England

Published

21 hours ago

July 19, 2025

Ray Sportz

Ray Sportz Web Desk: Former Australia captain Greg Chappell believes that Shubman Gill is entering the most critical phase of his young leadership journey, as India trails 1-2 in the five-match Test series against England.After India’s narrow 22-run defeat in the third Test at Lord’s, Chappell acknowledged Gill’s talent with the bat and early signs of leadership promise, but noted that “the real test begins now.”With the series slipping away, India will aim for a comeback in the fourth Test, set to begin on July 23 at Old Trafford, Manchester, in the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy.

Cricket

IND vs ENG: Rahane Urges Tactical Overhaul Ahead of Crucial 4th Test

Published

2 days ago

July 18, 2025

Ray Sportz

Ray Sportz Web Desk: As India prepares for the must-win 4th Test against England at Old Trafford, veteran batter Ajinkya Rahane has called on head coach Gautam Gambhir and captain Shubman Gill to bolster the bowling lineup. With the series delicately poised at 1-2, Rahane stressed the importance of including an additional specialist bowler to enhance India’s chances of taking 20 wickets.
Citing England’s aggressive approach under Ben Stokes, Rahane highlighted the need for a sharper bowling attack, potentially at the cost of an all-rounder like Nitish Reddy. He hinted that a spinner such as Kuldeep Yadav could be the ideal inclusion.
“With matches often being decided in the final innings, the bowling unit must be equipped to apply pressure consistently,” Rahane said.
India is under pressure to level the series, and the selection strategy in Manchester may prove decisive.

Cricket

IND vs ENG: India Fall Short at Lord’s, Gill Calls Pant’s Run-Out the Turning Point

Published

5 days ago

July 15, 2025

Ray Sportz

Ray Sportz Web Desk: Team India suffered a heartbreaking 22-run defeat at the iconic Lord’s, falling behind 2-1 in the five-match Test series against England. Speaking at the post-match press conference, skipper Shubman Gill pointed to Rishabh Pant’s run-out in the first innings as the decisive moment of the match.
Chasing England’s first-innings total of 387, India were bowled out for exactly the same score. In the second innings, Ravindra Jadeja fought a lone battle, remaining unbeaten on 61, but lacked support from the other end.
“Our top order didn’t perform in this match,” Gill admitted. “If we had one or two big partnerships early on, the result could’ve been different. Pant’s dismissal came totally against the run of play and shifted the momentum.”
India will look to bounce back in the fourth Test at Old Trafford starting July 23.