India’s hopes of making early inroads on the final day of the first Test were firmly resisted by a gritty, unbeaten half-century from Ben Duckett, as England reached 117 without loss at lunch on Tuesday. Chasing a formidable target of 371, the hosts still require 254 runs, but the opening pair of Duckett (64*) and Zak Crawley (42*) ensured a commanding start to the fourth innings.

Despite Jasprit Bumrah’s probing spells, the rest of India’s pace attack, comprising Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, and Shardul Thakur, failed to maintain pressure. Their inconsistent lines and lengths allowed the English batters ample scoring opportunities, which Duckett and Crawley capitalised on with composure and precision.

Bumrah did produce the moment of the morning when he completely beat Duckett with a beautiful off-cutter, a delivery that deserved a wicket. However, that flash of brilliance found no worthy companion from the support bowlers, who lacked imagination and discipline. Their inefficacy drew visible concern from bowling coach Morne Morkel, who was seen offering guidance from the boundary edge mid-session.