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India’s Day Four performance at Edgbaston was nothing short of a masterclass. In a Test match that was already billed as a clash of contrasting philosophies, the visitors showcased their ability to dominate England on a pitch that had plenty of runs in it and very little for the bowlers.
However, as the day wore on, questions arose that whether India just overstayed their welcome at the crease.
India Dominate with the Bat
Rishabh Pant’s audacious strokes and Shubman Gill’s elegant counterpunching kept the scoreboard ticking at a rapid pace. Pant brought the crowd to life after scoring a blazing fifty, while Gill silenced critics with a sublime 161 off 162 deliveries. It was batting of the highest order as India out-Bazballed Bazball, staying comfortably above the four-run-an-over mark.
The Declaration That Never Came
As Gill reached a record-breaking second century in the match, fans expected the declaration. First at 500. Then 550. But India pushed on, with even lower-order batters Nitish Kumar Reddy and Washington Sundar getting time in the middle. All the while, the cameras caught Mohammad Siraj and his fellow bowlers lounging in their sweaters, waiting for the call that never came.
This delay left many puzzled, especially with rain looming on Day Five. A 600-plus target looked monumental, but history wasn’t kind, India had tried this once before aganist New Zealand in 2009 and fell two wickets short of victory.
Morkel’s Take and India’s Gamble
Morne Morkel defended India’s strategy, saying the pitch remained good for batting and that the extra cushion allowed them to attack England under overcast skies with 20-plus overs late in the day. “You can’t control the weather,” he said, trying to justify a decision that split opinions across the cricketing world.
The Verdict: Bold or Overcautious?
With rain predicted on Day Five, India’s late declaration might end up being a masterstroke or a missed opportunity. If they manage to skittle England out in time, the decision will look inspired. If not, fans may see it as an ego trip where individual milestones were prioritized over the team’s ultimate goal.
As the final day dawns with clouds overhead, only time will tell if India’s calculated risk pays off, or if they have gifted England a lifeline.
