India vs. England 1st Test, Headingley, Leeds, 2025-2027 ICC World Test Championship, was hotting up to fever pitch on Day 4, June 23, 2025. India, driven by centuries from KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant, had set England the imposing target of 371, but a late meltdown and England's solid beginning at 21/0 had left the match precariously poised. As starexch enthusiasts patiently wait for the final day, here's a detailed review of Day 4 and an advance look at what's on the line for Day 5.

Day 4 Review: India's Peaks and Valleys Have a Thriller Waiting

Day 4 was one of brilliance and vulnerability for India, with centuries from Rahul and Pant putting them in charge before a thrilling collapse reversed momentum. England's openers, Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett, saw out a dicey last session to leave their team in contention.

India's Second Innings Domination: Picking up where they left off at 90/2 with a 96-run advantage, India began cautiously under overcast skies. Unbeaten on 47, KL Rahul played with textbook elegance, reaching his 10th Test century (137 off 247 balls) with a flicked boundary off Brydon Carse. Murali Kartik complimented Rahul's "copybook" work, appreciating his capacity to punish loose balls. Rishabh Pant, who batted at No. 5, let loose his trademark mayhem, smashing 118 off 143 balls, with a paddle-sweep four and a lofted six off Shoaib Bashir. Their 195-run fourth-wicket partnership took India to 298/4 by tea, leading by 304 runs, as Starexch users hailed Pant’s “Gilchrist-like” flair, per Dinesh Karthik. Pant became the first Asian wicketkeeper-batter to score centuries in both innings of a Test, joining Zimbabwe’s Andy Flower in this elite club.

India's Late Collapse: The post-tea session descended into chaos as India lost their remaining six wickets for 16 runs, bowled out for 364. Josh Tongue initiated the slide, taking Shardul Thakur, Mohammed Siraj, and Jasprit Bumrah in one over (91st) for no runs, ending with 3/72. Ben Stokes (2/69) and Chris Woakes (2/80) made the most of the opportunity, with Karun Nair (9) and Ravindra Jadeja (12) departing to ill-advised shots. Harsha Bhogle noted India’s “self-inflicted” collapse, while Starexch discussions criticized Gill’s decision to pick Thakur over Kuldeep Yadav, whose spin could have been vital later.

England’s Steady Start: Chasing 371, England reached 21/0 in six overs by stumps, with Zak Crawley (12* off 25) and Ben Duckett (9* off 11) surviving probing spells from Bumrah and Siraj. Ravindra Jadeja bowled a brisk over, yet Crawley's cover drive against Siraj and Duckett's paddle against Jadeja demonstrated intent. The Indian Express reported England's "expert navigation" of the last 25 minutes, with no wickets lost even as Bumrah ran in at full tilt. Rain threatened but held back, staging a blockbuster Day 5.

Key Moment: Rahul and Pant's centuries provided India with a dominant lead, but Tongue's triple-wicket over turned the momentum, making 371 within reach on a variable-bounce pitch. Starexch was abuzz with arguments on whether India's lead was sufficient, with users such as @AndyGJBurge

referencing England's "firepower" for a 3.89 runs-per-over pursuit.

For supporters following the game, best cricket exchange sites offer an interactive means of remaining involved in the match's turn of events.

Day 5 Preview: A Headingley Classic Beckons

India's Strategy: With England requiring 350 runs off 90 overs, India's bowlers, spearheaded by Jasprit Bumrah, will be the deciding factors. Bumrah, with an 5/83 in the first innings, has already got rid of Joe Root a record 10 times in Tests, and their battle will be the highlight for Starexch fans. The pitch, with cracks and uneven bounce (some balls spitting, others going low according to KL Rahul), will suit Jadeja's spin, particularly from the rough outside off. Prasidh Krishna (3 wickets in the first innings) and Siraj will aim to exploit early swing, while Gill’s captaincy—criticized for underusing Thakur—must be sharp. India will target early wickets to disrupt England’s Bazball approach, with a 400+ lead considered safe by pundits like Krishnamoorthy V.

England's Method: England's strong batting, from Crawley, Duckett, Ollie Pope (off a 106), Joe Root, and Harry Brook (99 in the first innings), will pursue 350 at a rate of 3.89 runs an over. Headingley's past fourth-innings successes (322, 359, 296, and 251 in recent Tests) generate hope, Stokes' all-round contribution and Woakes' lower-order scores (2,000 Test runs mark) bring depth. Bumrah's pace and Jadeja's spin, though, might counter their aggression, particularly if clouds support swing. Starexch users hope for Root to play late and Brook to shoot from the hip but dropped catches (such as Brook's reprieves on Day 3) have to be prevented by India.

Weather Watch: Rain has been forecasted in Leeds, which may play spoilsport and push the game towards a draw, according to Cricbuzz. A day's play would be essential for a result, with Starexch fans monitoring weather reports eagerly.

Players to Watch:

Jasprit Bumrah (India): His 5/83 and past record against Root make him India's trump card.

KL Rahul (India): Following twin centuries, his fielding and vice-captaincy will be crucial.

Harry Brook (England): Following a devastating 99, his attacking batting may seal the chase.

Ben Stokes (England): His 5 wickets and leadership will propel England's comeback.

Why Starexch is Your Go-To Platform

Starexch takes Day 5 to a whole new level with live updates, in-depth player statistics, and colorful community chat. Follow Bumrah's wicket-taking sprees, Rahul's cultured strokeplay, or Brook's aggressive playing style with information on their form—such as Pant's record twin tons or Root's Headingley average of 45.67. Subscribe to Starexch to discuss whether England can script a Headingley miracle or India's bowlers will ensure a legendary victory.

Conclusion

Day 4 witnessed India fly high with centuries from Rahul and Pant, only for a late collapse to keep hopes alive for England. With 350 runs required and all wickets still in hand, Day 5 holds the promise of a classic tail-end finish to the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy opener. Will Bumrah and Jadeja upset England's chase, or can Stokes' Bazball magic take the upper hand? Catch the action at 3:30 PM IST on June 24 and immerse yourself into the excitement with Starexch. The drama is set for a Headingley epic!