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Josh Tongue believes England can pull off another Headingley miracle on day five having been set 371 to win a ‘blockbuster’ first Test against India.
Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett survived a 30-minute examination from Jasprit Bumrah last night to reach 21 for 0 at stumps on day four, after Tongue’s three-wicket burst helped dismiss India for 364 in their second innings.
Ben Stokes’ side now need another 350 runs on the final day in Leeds to complete the second-highest run chase in their history and go 1-0 up in the series.
And Tongue says England can take inspiration from their famous 2019 Ashes win here at Headingley, when they successfully knocked off 359 against Australia thanks to Stokes’ heroic 135.
‘I remember Stokes’ innings here against the Aussies, and I feel like with our batting line-up we can chase down anything,’ said Tongue, who took three wickets in one over to mop up India’s tail.
‘We are really confident. Our batting line-up is obviously very strong and we play a positive brand of cricket. The changing room is very positive to chase these runs down.
Josh Tongue took three wickets in an over to give England a chance of winning the first Test
Headingley has a habit of producing remarkable finishes — just like the 2019 Ashes when Ben Stokes scored a brilliant 135 not out to steer England to their fourth-innings target of 359
KL Rahul, who scored an imperious second innings century, hopes England go for victory
‘The bowlers will bowl well in periods, but it is about soaking up that pressure and then putting it back on their bowlers.
'I don’t see why we can’t chase it.’
England’s record run chase came against India in the first year of Stokes’ captaincy in 2022, when they knocked off 378 at Edgbaston.
Rain is forecast in Leeds on Tuesday, but Tongue said his team have not even spoken about the possibility of playing for a draw.
‘We will just go for the win,’ added the 27-year-old fast bowler. ‘That is the clear message in the changing room. We will be as positive as we can.’
India centurion KL Rahul, however, thinks England’s win-or-bust approach could play into the tourists’ hands.
‘It’s a blockbuster finish waiting tomorrow,’ said the opener, who top scored for India with 137, while Rishabh Pant hit his second century of the match with a thrilling 118.
‘There is definitely going to be a result. That is what England have said very openly and their style of cricket suggests as well.
Ben Duckett (left) and Zak Crawley came through the final half an hour of day one unscathed
Ollie Pope scored arguably his best England ton in the first innings and will be a key man again
‘We know how they will come out and bat and it gives us a good opportunity to pick up wickets. Them taking chances will keep us in the game.
‘The wicket is not as easy as the first innings. It is playing a few tricks. We will give ourselves the best chance to pick up 10 wickets and put pressure on them. ‘
