England lose three early wickets as India close in on victory

England's second Test hopes at Edgbaston suffered a catastrophic blow on day four as the hosts slumped to 50-3 in their pursuit of an improbable 608-run target against a dominant Indian side. The early dismissals of top-order stalwarts Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, and Joe Root left England’s ‘Bazball’ approach facing its sternest examination yet, with the prospect of a heavy defeat looming large. What was already a monumental chase transformed into a desperate fight for survival, as India’s bowlers turned the screws with precision and aggression, making early inroads into England's fragile batting line-up.

The morning session saw India declare their second innings at a commanding total, setting England an almost insurmountable task. The pressure was immediately evident as England’s openers struggled to find their rhythm. Zak Crawley was the first to depart, caught behind after a tentative push outside off stump, failing to replicate any of the resilience needed. Soon after, Ben Duckett, who had shown glimpses of form, succumbed to a well-directed delivery that found the edge, leaving England precariously placed. The biggest blow, however, came with the departure of former captain Joe Root, a linchpin of England’s middle order, who was trapped in front by a delivery that kept low, sending ripples of concern through the home dressing room. His dismissal, often a signal of deeper trouble, underscored India’s relentless bowling attack and strategic field placements.

With three key batsmen back in the pavilion and over 550 runs still required, England face an uphill battle to save the Test, let alone contemplate victory. The monumental target of 608 stands as one of the largest ever set in Test cricket, and achieving it would require a historic, unprecedented effort. India, conversely, are now in an almost unassailable position, needing just seven more wickets on the final day to seal a comprehensive series victory. The visitors’ bowlers will be fresh and eager to exploit the deteriorating Edgbaston pitch, while England’s remaining batsmen must dig deep into their reserves of resilience to avoid an early finish to what has been a largely one-sided contest since the first innings. The stage is set for India to complete a dominant performance, with England left to ponder what might have been, and how to rebuild from this significant setback.