Follow UsThe final day of the first Test between England and India is going to be fun. England, chasing a target of 371, were 21 for no loss at the end of day four. They require 350 more runs, while India need 10 wickets. Given the way England have been playing Test cricket of late, they will surely go for the target, which will also keep the visitors in the game on Day 5.
Under Ben Stokes’ captaincy, England have drawn only once in 36 games, and Josh Tongue has made it clear that, no matter what happens, the hosts will go for the target on the final day. “(We will) just go for the win. That’s the clear message in the changing room. It’s just about being as positive as we can. They’re going to bowl well at times tomorrow - it’s just crucial we soak up that bit of pressure and reapply it. I don’t see why we can’t chase that down.
“If you look at our batting line-up, it’s very strong. We play a positive brand of cricket. Chasing 371 is going to be a good thing for us to do tomorrow. Getting through that first 30–45 minutes tomorrow is going to be crucial, and then hopefully we’ll get the winning runs.”
Indian opener KL Rahul, who scored an eye-pleasing 137 in the third innings, feels England’s aggressive approach will also give India an opportunity to take 10 wickets on the final day. “There’s definitely going to be a result. That’s what England have said very openly, and their style of cricket suggests that as well. It gives us a good opportunity to pick up 10 wickets. We know how they’re going to come out and bat on day five.
“The wicket today was very tricky. I spent a lot of time batting there, and I didn’t feel set at any stage. The wicket’s taken a beating, and tomorrow might break even more. We know their style of cricket, so we’ll try to keep that in the back of our minds and see what lines and lengths we can bowl and how we can get them out.”