Former England fast bowler Stuart Broad believes that India are the clear favourites going into the final day of the 1st Test match at Headingley. After posting 364 runs in their second innings, India set England a challenging target of 371 runs. This target is considered especially steep given the history at Headingley, where no team has successfully chased such a high total in a standard 5-day Test.
The highest chase ever achieved at the venue came back in 1948, when Don Bradman's Australia chased down 404 in a 6-day match. In more recent times, England managed to chase 359 against Australia during the 2019 Ashes, thanks to a legendary innings from Ben Stokes.
Speaking after Day 4, Broad said India are in control of the game, especially with the pitch expected to deteriorate. He highlighted the importance of India capitalising on the new ball and creating chances.
“India have to be favourites on a Day 5 pitch. They only need to create 10 opportunities and they have to take their catches,” Broad told Sky Sports. He added that the early morning phase would be crucial, especially if England can survive the new ball without major damage.
He acknowledged that while England’s dressing room would be talking positively, the advantage was clearly with the visitors. He also called on Indian captain Shubman Gill to rotate the bowlers smartly and maintain pressure on England’s batters.
At stumps on Day 4, England had made a cautious start in their chase, reaching 21 without loss in 6 overs. Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett remained unbeaten, but a steep challenge awaits them on the final day.
