The final overs of the day crackled with excitement as English openers Duckett and Crawley took guard against India's potent bowling attack while chasing a target of 399 runs for victory in their second innings. While both managed boundaries off Mukesh Kumar, Bumrah's fiery deliveries tested their resolve.
Crawley unleashed a daring six against Kuldeep, but Ashwin's guile proved too much for Duckett, who departed caught behind. Rehan continued the aggressive approach with two boundaries off Axar, leaving the match tantalizingly poised.
Earlier, India capitalized on Shubman Gill's magnificent century (104 off 147 balls) to post a respectable 255. Despite some early fortune, Gill batted with authority, anchoring crucial partnerships with Iyer (81 runs) and Patel (49 runs). Ashwin's late cameo (29 runs) added valuable runs, but England's spinners, Hartley and Rehan, shared seven wickets to keep India in check. Notably, England played without their captain Root due to a finger injury.
Following tea, Rehan struck early, dismissing Bharat, while Hartley accounted for Kuldeep. Ashwin, dropped at slip, showed his class with a six and a four before falling to Hartley. Bumrah followed soon after, edging to gully. Rehan wrapped up the innings, dismissing Ashwin for a faint edge, leaving India all out for 255.
Despite losing their last six wickets cheaply, India has set a challenging target. England's young openers have shown positive intent, leaving the stage set for a gripping final session where both teams will vie for the upper hand.
Brief scores:
India 396 and 255 in 78.3 overs (Shubman Gill 104, Axar Patel 45; Tom Hartley 4-77, Rehan Ahmed 3-88) lead England 253 and 67/1 in 14 overs (Zak Crawley 29 not out; Ravichandran Ashwin 1-8) by 332 runs
Also Read | Ind vs Eng, 2nd Test: India all out for 255; England need 399 to win
