IND vs ENG Day 4 Live: Shubman Gill vs Zak Cawley in focus at Lord's

Ravindra Jadeja once again proved why he is among the most reliable all-rounders in world cricket. Walking in after the fall of Rishabh Pant, Jadeja knew the value of spending time at the crease. His 72 off 131 deliveries was measured, composed, and vital to India’s cause.

Jadeja didn’t play risky strokes. Instead, he focused on strike rotation and punished loose deliveries. He looked especially confident against spin, stepping out against Bashir while being compact against Stokes and Woakes. His running between the wickets with Nitish Reddy was poor at times, with multiple run-out chances, but Jadeja’s calm presence helped India maintain control.

This was his third fifty in as many innings, highlighting his growing consistency as a top-order batter. With a lower-order that could not accelerate, Jadeja’s innings proved essential in taking India to 387. When he finally fell, nicking one down the leg side, he had already done enough to ensure parity.

His contribution might not make the headlines like Rahul or Pant, but without Jadeja’s calm hand, India could have easily fallen 50 runs short. His batting, once considered a bonus, has become one of India’s most valuable assets.

Tensions flared in the final over of Day 3 as Shubman Gill and Zak Crawley exchanged words in a heated on-field moment that captured the intensity of the series. India had just been bowled out, equalling England’s first-innings score of 387. With six minutes left in the day, they had a chance to bowl at least two overs.

But Crawley had other plans. After facing just one delivery from Jasprit Bumrah, he pulled out twice from his stance citing distractions. Then, after the fifth delivery hit his glove, he called for the physio. Gill, visibly frustrated, shouted from the slips for Crawley to “show some guts.” The stump mic picked up the outburst, prompting Sky Sports to issue an on-air apology.

Crawley and Gill were seen jabbing fingers and exchanging words, with Ben Duckett stepping in. While the umpires tried to calm things down, the delay meant only one over was bowled. The moment, dramatic as it was, brought a fiery edge to a series that had so far seen hard but fair cricket. Day 4 now promises even more tension, especially between these two players.

Rishabh Pant’s 74 at Lord’s might not be his highest score, but it will surely go down as one of his most courageous. Battling a painful index finger injury sustained while keeping on Day 1, Pant showed resilience and clarity. He walked in at a critical juncture, with India having lost both openers cheaply. What followed was a high-quality 141-run partnership with KL Rahul.

Pant was unusually cautious early on, scoring only 14 runs in the first half-hour. He slowly grew in confidence and began to counterpunch. His lofted six over long off against Bashir and a flicked maximum off Stokes were vintage Pant shots. However, what stood out was his ability to curb aggression when needed.

Despite being in pain and getting treatment during breaks, he batted with intent. Unfortunately, his innings ended with a risky single in the last over before lunch, where Ben Stokes pulled off a direct hit. The moment gave England a lifeline, but Pant’s contribution had already shifted momentum. On a difficult pitch, with discomfort in his finger, Pant’s innings showcased courage and cricketing intelligence.

KL Rahul walked out at Lord’s with history on his side and pressure on his shoulders. Having already scored a memorable hundred at this iconic venue in 2021, Rahul returned with a sense of calm and maturity. What followed was an innings crafted with immense patience, timing, and a deep understanding of the conditions. Facing Archer’s raw pace, Woakes’ precision, and occasional bite from the surface, Rahul remained focused.

He was cautious early on, taking time to assess the bounce and seam movement. As the innings progressed, his confidence grew. The hallmark of his knock was his control outside off stump. He refused to chase deliveries, forcing England’s bowlers to come to him. His backfoot punch and flicks off the pads were standout features. Reaching his 10th Test hundred with a single off Archer, Rahul became only the second Indian after Dilip Vengsarkar to score multiple tons at Lord’s.

While he was dismissed soon after for exactly 100, his innings was the anchor around which India built their reply. On a deteriorating surface, Rahul’s hundred ensured India matched England’s 387 and stayed level in the contest. It was an innings that reflected maturity, discipline and an appreciation for the significance of Lord’s.

As England head into Day 4 with a slender two-run lead and all wickets intact, the real question is — can India turn the screws? The pitch is slowly breaking up. There’s variable bounce and some turn, which could bring Ravindra Jadeja into the picture in a big way.

India’s pace attack, led by Jasprit Bumrah, will be key early on. Zak Crawley looked unsettled on Saturday evening, and the Gill-Crawley confrontation might spill over today. If India can strike early and expose England’s middle order, they could take control.

The key will be to remain disciplined. Any score over 250 in the fourth innings will be a tough ask. India need to keep England to as low a second-innings total as possible. A couple of breakthroughs in the first hour could shift the balance in their favour.