England have made their intentions crystal clear for the final day of the first Test against India at Headingley.
They will pursue victory without compromise as they look to secure victory.
Fast bowler Josh Tongue confirmed there is "no situation" in which the hosts would accept a draw, despite facing a daunting target of 371 runs.
England resume on 21 without loss, requiring another 350 runs on the final day.
England require 350 runs on the final day
Reuters
Tongue stated unequivocally: "Just go for the win. That's the clear message in the changing room."
This unwavering commitment to aggressive cricket epitomises the approach that has defined England under Ben Stokes' captaincy.
The hosts have drawn just once in 36 Tests during his tenure, and that was due to rain at Old Trafford in 2023.
England's recent history suggests this ambitious pursuit is far from impossible.
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England captain Ben Stokes has seen just one draw during his tenure
Reuters
The team successfully chased 378 against India at Edgbaston in 2022, achieving victory with seven wickets to spare.
Headingley itself has witnessed extraordinary batting performances in the fourth innings.
Six totals exceeding 250 have been successfully chased at this venue, more than any ground worldwide except Melbourne Cricket Ground.
Four of these remarkable chases have occurred in the past eight years alone.
Most memorably, Stokes himself orchestrated the pursuit of 359 against Australia in 2019, producing one of Test cricket's most celebrated innings.
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Tongue noted: "I remember Stokesy's innings here against the Aussies."
The ground's reputation for dramatic finishes influenced Stokes' decision to field first after winning the toss, despite ideal batting conditions on the opening day.
Tongue's intervention proved crucial as India collapsed from 333 for four to 364 all out.
The 27-year-old seamer claimed three wickets in four deliveries, dismissing Shardul Thakur, Mohammed Siraj and Jasprit Bumrah in a devastating spell.
The triple wicket earned Tongue the nickname 'The Mop', with the bowler saying: "I've done it twice now, so I might have to start calling myself that!
"Obviously that's part of the game. I'm happy to contribute to the team by getting those wickets."
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Fast bowler Josh Tongue said there was 'no situation' that England would accept a draw
Reuters
He added: "With our batting line-up I feel we can chase down anything.
"Their bowlers are going to bowl well in periods, but it's about soaking up that pressure and putting it back on the bowlers. I don't see why we can't chase it.
"Obviously we're really confident. If you look at our batting line-up it's very strong. We play a positive brand of cricket."
India's KL Rahul, who crafted a masterful 137, agreed: "There's definitely going to be a result. That's what England have said very openly and their style of cricket suggests that as well."
Mixed weather forecasts for Tuesday could complicate proceedings, but neither side appears willing to contemplate anything but victory.
Rahul acknowledged the deteriorating pitch conditions whilst backing his bowlers to exploit England's aggressive approach.
"I didn't feel set at any given stage. The wicket's taken a beating and might break even more tomorrow," the Indian batsman revealed.
Despite India's late collapse, which saw them lose their final four wickets for just 15 runs, Rahul remained philosophical about their position.
"Yes, ideally we would've wanted 40-50 more," he admitted. "But the positive is that we've crossed 350 in both innings.
"We know their style - aggressive, counterattacking - so we'll keep that in mind with our fields and length.
"It's a blockbuster finish waiting tomorrow."
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