London, July 13 (UNI) India seized the initiative on Day 4 of the ongoing Lord’s Test as England went to Lunch at 98 for 4 in 25 overs, still trailing significantly in their second innings.
Indian pacers Mohammed Siraj and Akash Deep made key breakthroughs after early resistance from the English top order.
England began cautiously at 2 for no loss but soon found themselves under pressure with the loss of both openers within the first 15 overs. Zak Crawley, who survived an early LBW review, fell for 22 off 49 balls, caught at gully by Yashasvi Jaiswal off Nitish Kumar Reddy’s sharp outswinger.
Ben Duckett, after a quick 12, was dismissed trying to go aerial off Siraj, only to find Jasprit Bumrah at mid-on.
Ollie Pope never looked settled and was eventually trapped in front by Siraj for 4, confirmed via DRS. His short stay included a painful blow from a bouncer and some nervy moments.
Harry Brook played a brief but entertaining knock of 23 from 19 balls, peppering the boundary with four fours and a six. However, his adventurous approach backfired as he premeditated a sweep against Akash Deep and was bowled behind his legs.
At Lunch, Joe Root (17 not out) and skipper Ben Stokes (2 not out) were holding fort, with India’s bowlers continuing to test them with seam and swing. England reached the 50-run mark in the 15th over but lost momentum with wickets falling at regular intervals.
With the pitch continuing to assist seam movement and variable bounce, India will look to at least two to three wickets before Tea, and keep themselves in the match, which is poised for a result unless rain intervenes.
