Manchester, July 25 (Day 3 Report) – The fourth Test between England and India at Old Trafford has taken a dramatic turn as the hosts piled on a massive 544/7 by the end of Day 3, stretching their lead to a daunting 186 runs. While the Indian bowlers toiled hard, England’s top and middle order showed remarkable composure and discipline, with Joe Root delivering a masterclass and captain Ben Stokes standing firm at the close of play.
England’s Ruthless Response to India’s 358
After India posted a respectable 358 in their first innings, England came out all guns blazing. Openers Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett gave the side a dream start with a 166-run partnership that laid the foundation for a dominant innings. While Crawley missed out on a hundred, falling for 84, Duckett was also dismissed just shy of a century on 94.
But the real hero of the innings was Joe Root. The former skipper anchored England’s batting with a brilliant 150 off 248 deliveries, laced with 14 crisp boundaries. Root’s knock was a display of patience, class, and sheer technical prowess, reminding everyone why he’s considered one of the best in modern-day Test cricket.
Though India fought back in patches, getting key breakthroughs including Harry Brook (3), Jamie Smith (9), and Chris Woakes (4), they couldn’t stop the scoreboard from ticking rapidly. Captain Ben Stokes took charge after Root’s departure, remaining unbeaten on 77 by stumps. He was well-supported by all-rounder Liam Dawson, who stood firm at 21 not out.
Indian Bowlers Struggle, Jadeja and Sundar Shine
On a pitch that has offered little for the bowlers since Day 1, the Indian bowling unit faced a tough grind. However, Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar emerged as the most effective, picking two wickets each. Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, and debutant Anshul Kamboj chipped in with a wicket apiece.
Kamboj’s effort was noteworthy given the conditions and the occasion. Still early in his international career, he showed signs of promise with decent pace and control. But with England crossing the 500-run mark, it’s evident that India missed a sharp edge in their bowling attack.
Recap: India’s First Innings – A Team Effort Without a Century
Earlier in the match, India posted 358 in 114.1 overs after England chose to bowl first. The top order provided a solid foundation with Yashasvi Jaiswal (58) and KL Rahul (46) adding valuable runs. Sai Sudharsan top-scored with a gritty 61 off 151 balls in his debut Test series, while Rishabh Pant chipped in with a quickfire 54.
All-rounder Shardul Thakur (41) and Washington Sundar (27) ensured India got to a competitive total before falling to the disciplined bowling of Ben Stokes, who claimed a stunning five-wicket haul (5 wickets), ably supported by Jofra Archer (3 wickets).
Match Situation at Stumps – Day 3
India 1st Innings: 358 all out in 114.1 overs
England 1st Innings: 544/7 in 135 overs
Lead: England by 186 runs
Not Out: Ben Stokes 77*, Liam Dawson 21*
Top Scorer: Joe Root – 150 (248 balls, 14 fours)
India’s Top Bowlers: Jadeja 2/118, Sundar 2/95
What Lies Ahead?
With two full days remaining and England holding a commanding lead, the pressure is squarely on the Indian team. The visitors will aim to wrap up England’s innings early on Day 4 and then bat out of their skins to save the Test – or even push for an unlikely win.
The series stands at 2-1 in England’s favor, and a win here would hand them the series with one Test still to go. For India, it’s about survival and keeping the series alive before heading into the final game.
