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The Headingley Test between England and India saw a dramatic moment on Day 4 when Chris Woakes, after a long and testing spell, finally broke through with a wicket courtesy of his own athleticism. The England pacer’s sharp reflexes and presence of mind resulted in the dismissal of Karun Nair, marking a significant turning point as England sought to claw their way back into the contest. The catch not only ended Nair’s resistance but also highlighted the high-stakes tension and skill on display in this riveting Test match.
Chris Woakes plucks a blinder to dismiss Karun Nair on Day 4 of the Headingley Test
After bowling tirelessly across both innings, Woakes’ persistence paid off in the 86th over of India’s second innings. Delivering a fuller ball outside off stump, Woakes enticed Nair into a drive. Nair, looking to push India further ahead, leaned forward and struck the ball firmly, but straight back down the pitch. In a split second, Woakes reacted, stretching low in his follow-through to grab a sharp, reflex catch just inches from the turf.
The dismissal was Woakes’ first wicket of the match, coming after 39 overs of effort and in the 15th over of the second innings. For Nair, who managed 20 runs from 54 balls with three boundaries, it was a disappointing end to his Test comeback after seven years away from the side, especially following a duck in the first innings. The timing of the wicket was crucial for England, as it came immediately after Brydon Carse had removed the well-set KL Rahul in the previous over, giving the hosts two wickets in quick succession and a glimmer of hope in their pursuit of an unlikely victory.
Here’s the video:
TWO IN TWO OVERS!
This time it's Woakes. Karun Nair chips it straight back to the bowler for a simple c&b 😎
🇮🇳 3️⃣3️⃣5️⃣-6️⃣ pic.twitter.com/WVN9ORME1b
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) June 23, 2025
India set a massive total against England at Headingley
Despite Woakes’ heroics, the day largely belonged to India’s batting, particularly the partnership between Rahul and Rishabh Pant. Rahul compiled a masterful 137 off 247 balls, peppered with 18 boundaries, while Pant’s aggressive 118 from 140 deliveries included three sixes and 15 fours. Together, they stitched a formidable 195-run partnership for the fourth wicket, propelling India to a commanding position.
Their efforts ensured that India set England a daunting target of 371 runs after being bowled out for 364 in 96 overs in the second innings. The visitors’ dominance was underlined by the resilience and flair shown by both centurions, putting the onus squarely on England’s batters for the final day and half hour on Day 4. For England, Josh Tongue emerged as the most successful bowler, claiming three wickets for 72 runs, but the mountain ahead remains steep, especially considering India’s recent heartbreak when England chased down 378 in Birmingham in 2022.
