India 358 & 322-4 at tea (Gill 103, Rahul 90, Washington 57, Jadeja 53) lead England 669 by 11 runs.
India’s afternoon belonged to their two left-handed all-rounders. Washington Sundar and Ravindra Jadeja survived every question England’s attack asked, added exactly 100 for the fifth wicket and, almost quietly, tipped the match in India’s favour.
Key facts first. India began the session 88 runs behind; by the break they were 11 in front. Washington, promoted to No. 5 for the first time in Tests, reached his half-century with a hook for six off Ben Stokes and a crunching pull for four off the very next ball. Jadeja followed six deliveries later, courtesy of a Zak Crawley misfield, and unfurled the customary sword celebration.
“It was just about batting time,” Washington told the host broadcaster. “Whether I’m five or eight, the job is the same – stay in and cash in.” Jonathan Agnew, on BBC TMS, put it more simply: “The pitch is placid and India are making England work for every chance.”
There were, in truth, few chances. Jadeja had been spilled first ball by Joe Root at slip off Jofra Archer; after that the edges either died or missed the cordon altogether. Stokes rotated four quicks plus the spin of Liam Dawson and Root, but none found any demons in a surface that looked more Nottingham than Headingley by late afternoon.
Jadeja’s fifty was his fifth in six Test knocks and pushed him past 1,000 runs in England – the seventh Indian to that landmark, the third on this tour after KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant. “Records are nice, but the job’s not done,” Jadeja said as he walked off, sweat-soaked and smiling.
England still harbour hopes of forcing a target, yet a draw is edging towards odds-on. A brisk collapse could leave time to chase, but Stokes will know his bowlers have already sent down 116 overs. If nothing drastic happens early in the final session, the captains may settle for the handshake that would give Stokes only his second draw in charge.
For now, India sit in front, their lower order unbroken, their resolve unfrayed. England have the new ball due soon after tea; they need it to talk, and loudly at that.
