Tue Dec 17 00:57:39 UTC 2024: ## England Stumble Despite Bethell Fifty as India Maintain Dominant Lead in Test
**BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND** – A half-century from debutant Jacob Bethell couldn’t prevent England from ending day four of the Test match against India in a precarious position. Chasing a mammoth 443 runs for victory, England slumped to 5 wickets down by lunch, leaving them with a daunting task on day five. Earlier, India had extended their lead to a significant 343 runs.
Bethell’s impressive 50 followed his strong performance earlier in the series. However, his dismissal proved a turning point, leaving England’s batting line-up vulnerable. Harry Brook, who fell cheaply for a second time in the match, further compounded England’s difficulties.
This follows England Women’s earlier loss, with India securing a 145-run victory in their respective match. In other news, a separate limited-overs match saw the Sixers triumph by 5 wickets with 9 balls remaining.
First Piper 