ENG vs IND 2025: Legendary England pacer calls India 'favourites' ahead of Day 5 of Headingley Test
India to pick all ten wickets on Day 5 to go 1-0 up in the series.
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The first Test between England and India at Headingley currently stands balanced, with both sides holding good chances heading into Day 5. As the home team eyes a 371-run target and India requires all 10 wickets to seal the win, legendary England pacer Stuart Broad has labelled the visitors as the favourites for the series opener.
Broad pointed out the pressure on England’s batting lineup, considering the nature and conditions of the fifth-day pitch. He revealed that facing the new ball in the morning will be challenging and tough, especially against a world-class bowler like Jasprit Bumrah.
"Getting through that new ball period is going to be key for England tomorrow. I think India has to be the favourites on a day five pitch. They only need to create 10 opportunities, and they need to take their catches. They have to be favourites," Broad said on Sky Sports.
Meanwhile, India were bowled out for 364 late on Day 4 after KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant's 195-run stand. Rahul’s 137 and Pant’s 118, his second century of the match, put the side in a strong position. However, once the partnership was broken, the lower-order once again failed to fire, leading to a collapse.
Shubman Gill has a responsibility to use the bowlers well: Broad
England’s Josh Tongue bagged three wickets in the same over as India went from 333/4 to 364 all out in just 71 deliveries. The final six wickets contributed a mere 31 runs, which was India's second collapse in the match after losing seven wickets for 41 runs in the first innings. However, Broad believes that India’s bowlers are better placed to finish the job.
"But England will be taking themselves up in the dressing room and thinking they are favourites. Gill has a responsibility to use the bowlers well. They need to come in and whack the pitch as hard as they can," he added.
England openers Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett survived the six overs towards end the day, with England's score reading 21/0. The hosts require 350 runs to win the game.
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