The fourth Test match of the ongoing five-match Test series between India and England at the iconic Old Trafford in Manchester has reached a gripping stage. After conceding a massive first-innings lead, Team India has mounted a resilient fightback, thanks to a brilliant unbeaten partnership between KL Rahul and skipper Shubman Gill. As Day 4 came to a close, India stood at 174/2 in their second innings, still trailing by 137 runs.
England, who dominated the first three days, now find themselves in a position where they must break a strong stand to clinch the match and possibly the series.
England Take Control With Massive First Innings
After winning the toss and choosing to bowl first, England made early inroads on a pitch that offered help to seamers. Despite a solid opening partnership of 94 runs by India, wickets kept falling at regular intervals. India ended Day 1 at 264/4, and on the second day, were eventually bowled out for 358 in 114.1 overs.
Youngster Sai Sudharsan impressed once again, scoring a gritty 61 runs off 151 balls, including seven boundaries. Yashasvi Jaiswal chipped in with a composed 58, while the middle-order faltered under pressure. For England, it was captain Ben Stokes who led the charge with the ball, taking a five-wicket haul, while Jofra Archer supported him well with three wickets.
Root and Stokes Power England to 669
In response, England’s opening pair gave the perfect start, stitching together a massive 166-run stand. The real damage, however, came from Joe Root and Ben Stokes, who both slammed majestic centuries. Root scored 150 runs off 248 deliveries, striking 14 elegant boundaries, while Stokes followed suit with an aggressive 141-run knock.
The duo’s dominance pushed India on the back foot, with England eventually posting a mammoth 669 in 157.1 overs. England’s innings gave them a staggering 311-run lead — a mountain for the Indians to climb. India’s bowling unit struggled to contain the run flow, though Ravindra Jadeja stood out with 4 wickets. Jasprit Bumrah and Washington Sundar managed two scalps apiece.
India Collapse Early But Fight Back Strongly
In their second innings, India’s start was nothing short of disastrous. Both openers fell for ducks, leaving the team reeling at 0/2. The mood at Old Trafford suggested an early finish. However, KL Rahul and Shubman Gill had other plans.
The duo showed tremendous grit and determination, weathering England’s fiery pace attack and slowly rebuilding the innings. By stumps on Day 4, they had added an unbeaten 174-run partnership, taking India to a relatively safer position. Rahul, batting on 87*, showcased vintage strokeplay, while captain Gill looked solid with a confident 78*.
Chris Woakes was the only English bowler to strike, dismissing both openers in the opening spell. With India still 137 runs behind and 8 wickets in hand, the match is set for a thrilling final day.
What’s at Stake?
England leads the five-match series 2-1, having narrowly won the third Test by 22 runs. A victory here would seal the series for Ben Stokes and his men. However, India, under new skipper Shubman Gill, would be desperate to draw level and take the series to a decider.
With two set batters at the crease and the pitch starting to ease up, India might well dream of pulling off the great escape — or even a stunning victory if they bat through the first session and launch a counterattack later in the day.
Final Day Preview
The stage is set for a gripping conclusion to the fourth Test. Will England’s bowlers break the deadlock and seal the series, or will Rahul and Gill script one of the most memorable fightbacks in recent Test history?
