India has been named the likely winner of the first Test against England at Headingley by former England fast bowler Stuart Broad. As the match heads into its fifth and final day, the game is evenly balanced, but Broad thinks India hold the edge.
England faces a tough task as they try to chase a target of 371 runs. On the other hand, India needs only 10 wickets to seal a win. With a turning and cracking pitch likely to cause problems for batters, Broad said India should be seen as the favourites.
“Getting through that new ball period is going to be key for England tomorrow,” Broad said during a post-match show. “India only needs to take 10 chances. They have to hold on to their catches, but on a fifth-day wicket, they are favourites.”
The day ended with England on 21 runs without loss after their openers survived six testing overs. Zak Crawley hit two quick boundaries and ended the day with Ben Duckett, both staying cautious against the Indian seamers.
India had earlier scored 364 in their second innings. KL Rahul’s patient 137 helped build a solid lead. The innings gave India a real chance to push for a win in the series opener.
Broad thinks England will still back themselves, especially under the leadership of captain Ben Stokes. However, he stressed that Shubman Gill, captaining India for the first time, would need to manage his bowling attack smartly.
“England will be in the dressing room thinking they’re still in it,” Broad said. “Gill has a big role in using his bowlers well. They need to come in hard and hit the pitch.”
The final day promises high drama. The pitch at Headingley is wearing out, with visible cracks appearing. Rahul believes the surface could play tricks on batters and offer a big boost to India’s bowlers.
Rahul said, “It is the perfect fifth-day wicket. When the match began, I thought it would be a draw. But now, with the wear and tear, we are hopeful the cracks will help us. The pitch has been unpredictable, and we are expecting a good day for our bowlers.”
India’s bowlers will aim to use the rough patches to create chances. With spinners and fast bowlers both in play, Gill will have options to apply pressure on the home team.
England’s openers have shown they can be solid, but with 350 runs still to get and a turning pitch ahead, the job looks tough. Much will depend on the top order and how they handle India’s bowlers.
The pressure will also be on India to take their chances. Dropped catches could change the match quickly. The team will need to stay focused and sharp in the field to convert half-chances into wickets.
India’s fielding unit has been tested throughout the match, and on day five, even one mistake could be costly. But the team’s bowlers, especially spinners like Ravindra Jadeja and pacers like Jasprit Bumrah, are expected to lead the charge.
If Gill can manage his bowlers with smart field settings and keep the pressure on, India could start his captaincy era with a strong win. A 1-0 lead in the series would also give the visitors a big boost in confidence.
For England, batting time will be key. If they can get through the first session without many losses, the match could open up. But the longer India bowls, the more the pitch will help them.
The contest has been gripping from the start, with both teams showing flashes of brilliance. From Rahul’s steady century to Crawley’s quick boundaries, the Test has had many highlights.
As fans look ahead to the final day, excitement is high. A possible India win, a big England chase, and a cracking fifth-day pitch — all the ingredients for a thrilling finish are in place.
Stuart Broad’s call may prove right if India’s bowlers rise to the challenge. But in Test cricket, surprises are never far away. All eyes now turn to Headingley, where cricket’s oldest rivalry adds another dramatic chapter.
