No scenario in which draw is good result for England – Tongue

There is no circumstance in which England would consider a draw as a positive outcome from their thrilling first Test against India at Headingley, according to fast bowler Josh Tongue.

England will start the fifth day with a target of 271 runs and a score of 350. The hosts’ second-best attempt in a Test and second-best on this ground would be if they could pull it off.

England have made it abundantly clear that they don’t like to draw Tests under captain Ben Stokes. Since Stokes took over as England’s skipper three years ago, only one of its 36 games ended in draws, and that’s because it rained almost two days of the third Ashes Test at Old Trafford in 2023.

On Tuesday, Leeds’ forecast is ambiguous, which could make the run chase for England more difficult.

When Tongue was asked if there was a chance that a draw would turn out to be a positive outcome, Tongue replied, “No. Simply put, win. That’s the clear message in the changing area.

In the first few years of Stokes’ captaincy, England began to run chase, defeating India 378 in Edgbaston in 2022.

Headingley, who has a reputation for producing exceptional results, also has a history of teams winning batting last, which enabled Stokes to win the toss and field match despite the best of day one.

More than any other venue in the world, aside from the Australian Cricket Ground in Melbourne, has successfully chased six totals over 250.

When asked if a draw had been discussed, Tongue replied, “We’re not in that situation anyway.” We’ll try to be as positive as possible during the opening session, check our lunch schedule, and then proceed.

I believe we can defeat any opponent with our batting lineup. Their bowlers will perform well during certain times, but it’s important to repress those pressure and pressure the bowlers. I don’t understand why we can’t pursue it.

“We’re obviously very confident,” he said. Our batting lineup is very strong, in your opinion. We play cricket that is both good and bad.

KL Rahul, the Indian batter, was also questioned if there was a scenario where his team would draw with a favorable outcome. He responded, “I agree with Josh Tongue.

There will undoubtedly be a result. England has stated this in a very open manner, and their style of cricket also suggests that. It gives us a good chance to take ten wickets.

On day four, Rahul and Rishabh Pant smashed incredible centuries, giving the impression that India was finally taking a decisive turn.

However, Tongue took three wickets in four deliveries to help England start the chase against India for 364 in their second innings.

Tongue, 27, is known by England and Nottinghamshire team-mate Ben Duckett for his habit of running through the lower order.

After taking four in the first innings to wrap up the late order, Tongue removed India’s numbers eight, nine, and 10 in the same over to end with 3-72.

I’ve done it twice now, so tongue said of his nickname, “I’ve got to start calling myself that.”