England need 371 runs to win after India's sudden batting collapse.

 LEEDS, June 23 — Lokesh Rahul and Rishabh Pant scored brilliant centuries to put India in a strong position against England on Day 4 of the Headingley Test. By tea, India had built a commanding lead of 304 runs.

Rahul was the first to reach his milestone, bringing up his ninth Test century in 202 balls. He celebrated by waving his bat and kissing the emblem on his helmet.

Pant followed with his trademark flair. After lunch, he accelerated rapidly, moving from 31 to 95 in no time. Just short of his second century of the match, he slowed down and appeared to playfully stretch the moment for the crowd. He eventually reached his hundred with five singles over more than five overs.

This made Pant only the second wicketkeeper in men’s Test history to score two centuries in a single match — the first being Andy Flower for Zimbabwe in 2001. Unlike his first innings celebration, where he performed a somersault after scoring 134, this time he simply raised his bat and helmet.

Pant’s second century came off 130 balls. Once past the landmark, he returned to attacking mode but was dismissed for 118 from 140 balls after edging Shoaib Bashir to long-on while attempting another big shot.

At tea, India were 298 for 4, with Rahul unbeaten on 120 and Karun Nair on 4.

Rahul and Pant had come together early in the morning, with India struggling at 92 for 3 following Shubman Gill’s dismissal. Their partnership added 195 runs and shifted the momentum in India’s favor. The first 50 of their stand took 19 overs, the next 50 came in 12, and the third 50 in just six overs, as they first carefully handled England’s bowling on a tricky pitch and then attacked once the ball softened.

Their efforts put India in a position where they might consider declaring before stumps to give their bowlers, especially Jasprit Bumrah, a chance to go after England’s batting lineup.