The occurrence on the fourth day of the second Test match between England and India at Edgbaston featured an instance of authentic fast-bowling skill, as Josh Tongue bowled an exceptional ball that dislodged KL Rahul’s central wicket. This notable dismissal immediately reverberated within the Indian team’s confines and sparked an energetic reaction from the local spectators, symbolising a pivotal shift in the encounter.
India began Day 4 in a dominant position, maintaining a substantial 244-run advantage with nine wickets still available. Rahul, alongside Karun Nair, recommenced their batting with a definite strategy: to effectively eliminate England from contention. The playing surface, while offering limited assistance to the pace bowlers, largely supported batting, and India’s approach was apparent – to establish a target considerably beyond England’s capabilities. Rahul, specifically, demonstrated remarkable control and assurance at the crease. The right-handed batsman effectively managed the early morning swing, executing a sequence of refined strokes that suggested he was set for an extensive contribution. However, Tongue, who had been persistently seeking his optimal form throughout the match, discovered his defining moment when his team required it most urgently.
Josh Tongue’s captivating delivery to dismiss KL Rahul
Approaching from the Pavilion End, Tongue delivered a full-pitched ball that initially angled significantly towards Rahul. Critically, the delivery then straightened off the seam with incredible precision. Rahul, anticipating the ball to sustain its inward path, misjudged the trajectory entirely. The ball bypassed his bat with impressive speed and accuracy, striking the middle stump and sending it spinning dramatically out of the ground. The Edgbaston crowd erupted in loud cheers as Tongue celebrated what will certainly be remembered as one of the most outstanding deliveries of the season.
Here’s the video:
Middle stump = REMOVED pic.twitter.com/M1lBH3Gnbh
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) July 5, 2025
This significant breakthrough by Tongue occurred at a crucial period. With Rahul well-established on 55 and India’s lead steadily increasing, England desperately needed a catalyst to revive their challenge. The dismissal not only removed a settled batsman but also instilled a tangible boost of energy into the English bowling unit. The visual of Rahul’s middle stump being uprooted served as a potent reminder of the lasting importance of consistent, accurate fast bowling, even on a seemingly docile surface.
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India extends lead to 357 runs by lunch on Day 4
Earlier in the contest, England displayed notable resilience with their batting performance. Following a problematic start which saw them reduced to a precarious 84 for 5, an unprecedented sixth-wicket partnership between the exceptional Jamie Smith, who remained undefeated on 184, and the equally impressive Harry Brook, contributing 158, led a significant recovery. Their valiant efforts boosted England’s first innings total to 407. Despite this spirited response, Mohammed Siraj’s remarkable six-wicket performance ensured India secured a critical 180-run lead in the first innings.
India’s second innings commenced with their opening batsmen scoring rapidly, establishing a fifty-run partnership at an aggressive rate of nearly seven runs per over. Yashasvi Jaiswal was the first to be dismissed, succumbing to another sharp inswinging delivery from Tongue. Rahul and Nair then collaborated diligently to strengthen the innings, but Tongue’s brilliant delivery to Rahul has now presented England with a vital opportunity. They will now aim to restrict India’s total and maintain the target within a manageable range for chasing.
By lunchtime, India had reached 177/3, holding a lead of 357 runs, with Rishabh Pant remaining unbeaten on 41 and captain Shubman Gill on 24.
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