Day 4 of the fifth and final Test between India and England has begun with high drama and unrelenting intensity as Mohammed Siraj unleashed a fiery spell, sending Ben Duckett back to the pavilion with a delivery that left both fans and experts stunned. As India aggressively hunts for early breakthroughs, the match has tilted into an electrifying phase at the HPCA Stadium in Dharamshala.
Siraj Strikes Gold Early: Duckett Cleaned Up
The morning began with England resuming their innings under pressure, trailing by a significant margin. Mohammed Siraj, known for his raw pace and skiddy seam movement, delivered a peach of a delivery to Ben Duckett. The left-hander, who had shown glimpses of resilience on Day 3, was completely undone by an angled ball that straightened just enough to breach the gate between bat and pad. The stumps were shattered, and the Indian camp erupted in celebration.
Siraj’s dismissal of Duckett was not just a breakthrough—it was a message. With overcast conditions aiding seamers and variable bounce on offer, India’s bowlers are expected to exploit every opportunity to force a collapse.
The Match Situation: England on the Brink
England finds themselves in a dire situation. Following a mammoth first-innings total by India, the visitors are still facing a massive deficit. India posted a commanding 482 runs in their first innings, with centuries from Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill laying the foundation. In reply, England was bundled out for 217 in their first innings, thanks to a combined bowling effort from Kuldeep Yadav, Ravichandran Ashwin, and Mohammed Siraj.
Forced to follow on, England’s second innings began with a sense of urgency. But with Duckett’s early exit, the pressure now mounts on Joe Root, Zak Crawley, and the rest of the middle order to stage a resistance.
India’s Bowling Arsenal: Ruthless and Relentless
Mohammed Siraj has emerged as a genuine match-winner, evolving from a supporting pacer to a frontline enforcer. His ability to generate seam movement, especially on helpful surfaces, has turned him into a lethal weapon in home and away conditions.
Alongside Siraj, Jasprit Bumrah and the ever-dangerous spin duo—Ashwin and Kuldeep—are expected to turn the screws on England further. Ashwin’s control and variations, coupled with Kuldeep’s wrist spin, make batting increasingly treacherous as the pitch deteriorates.
Dharamshala Pitch Update: Cracks Widen, Spinners Lurking
The surface at Dharamshala is beginning to show visible signs of wear. Cracks have widened, and uneven bounce has crept in. This could spell doom for the English batting unit, especially against India’s world-class spin attack. The pitch is also offering extra zip to seamers in the morning, making batting a daunting challenge.
What Lies Ahead: India Senses Series Glory
With the series currently level and a win in Dharamshala sealing it for the hosts, India are playing with ruthless determination. The crowd is behind them, and the momentum is firmly in their grasp. If the Indian bowlers can continue this relentless pressure, a series victory is all but a matter of time.
For England, the mission is survival—every session, every over counts. They need a partnership of substance and character to deny India and keep their hopes flickering.
LIVE Match Status:
- Match: 5th Test – India vs England
- Venue: HPCA Stadium, Dharamshala
- Day 4: England following on, early wicket – Ben Duckett bowled by Siraj
- Current Scenario: India in full control; England battling to stay afloat
Stay tuned for more live updates as the contest heats up in Dharamshala and India closes in on a possible triumph in the final Test.
