IND vs ENG Live: India to defend 350 runs on final day with rain expected at Headingley

Two years ago, a car crash nearly ended it all. At Headingley, Rishabh Pant stamped a comeback that felt more like a rebirth.

His twin hundreds — fearless yet mature — showed he’s more than a flamboyant stroke-maker; he’s now India’s X-factor in crisis.

England had plans for Pant’s recklessness, but he flipped the script with control and calculation.

As India hunt the final 10 wickets, Pant’s runs have turned the tables.

The hero of Gabba is now the boss of Headingley.

Lost amid Pant’s sixes and Gill’s youthful energy is KL Rahul, the quiet constant in India’s overseas exploits.

His Sydney grit, Perth rescue act, and now Headingley masterclass show why he’s trusted in tough conditions.

His calm guidance for Pant when the latter looked wobbly on Day 4 proved vital.

Win or lose, Rahul’s century is a testament to patience and an example the middle order must emulate as India chases bigger dreams this series

Ben Stokes’ leadership has revived English Test cricket with belief in the impossible.

But chasing 371 on Day 5 is a different beast. Last evening’s calm stand by Crawley and Duckett hinted at resilience, but today they face India’s full might and a deck likely to misbehave.

One bad shot could trigger a slide. Stokes thrives in chaos and expect him to counter-attack if he walks out today.

It’s bravery vs ruthlessness; the winner takes the opening Test.

Headingley’s final day will test bowlers’ craft more than batters’ courage.

With fresh cracks on a weary strip, India’s fate rests on Bumrah’s skill with the old ball and Jadeja’s guile.

Stuart Broad warned England about the new ball; Michael Vaughan predicts a draw but fears Bumrah in the morning and Jadeja after lunch.

If both hit their rhythm, even Bazball may find no escape. This Test has showcased India’s batting depth — Day 5 could underline their bowling might.

If cricket gods love drama, Headingley is blessed. The forecast threatens passing showers, the pitch promises variable bounce and England’s batters swear by ‘Bazball’.

India need 10 disciplined dismissals; England dream of rewriting the record books.

The last time a chase over 370 succeeded here was never — 404 by Bradman’s 1948 Australians remains unmatched.

If Stokes’ men pull this off, it’s an era-defining triumph. If India seal it, it’s Gill’s captaincy dream start. Either way, we’re in for a heart-stopping Tuesday.

Two of India’s most talked-about stars, Rahul and Pant, have set this Test up perfectly.

Rahul’s calm and Pant’s audacity delivered five Indian centuries, a rarity overseas.

Now, the bowlers must justify the batters’ hard work. Bumrah looked menacing last evening; Jadeja is licking his lips at the cracks.

For India, the equation is simple: create 10 mistakes, hold catches, celebrate a famous win.

For England, every run chips away at the impossible.

History says few teams have chased this much at Headingley — and none since Bradman’s 404.

Ben Stokes has instilled a no-fear ethos in England’s batting, and Day 5 at Headingley is exactly the stage this philosophy was built for.

Needing 350 more runs with all 10 wickets intact, this is where Bazball must prove its Test mettle, not just its entertainment value.

If Crawley, Duckett, and Root survive the new ball and resist Bumrah’s reverse swing, they can dream of a record chase.

If they lose early wickets, India’s bowlers will rip through the rest. An enthralling clash of bravado vs discipline awaits.

As Day 5 dawns at Headingley, England face a mountain of 371 runs — and the ghosts of historic chases past.

Stokes’ Bazball brigade is daring enough to believe, but India have the sharper bowling attack and a pitch that’s slowly cracking open its secrets.

Rahul and Pant’s twin heroics have given Shubman Gill’s side the luxury of attacking fields and aggressive plans.

For England, Crawley and Duckett’s calm last night must stretch into a session — or Bumrah and Jadeja will be sniffing for blood.

A draw lurks as rain threatens, but if weather holds, expect fireworks till the last ball.