Manchester, 27 July (Sports Desk)
The fourth day of the 4th Test match between India and England at Old Trafford, Manchester, on July 26, 2025, delivered a thrilling turn of events that kept fans on the edge of their seats. England began the day in a dominant position, having posted a colossal 669 runs in their first innings, driven by Ben Stokes’ extraordinary all-round heroics. Stokes smashed an unbeaten 141, breaking a two-year century drought, and earlier claimed a five-wicket haul, joining an elite group of five male captains in Test history to achieve this in a single match. His explosive 41 runs off 34 balls, featuring three sixes, propelled England to their fifth-highest Test total and their best since the 823 against Pakistan in October 2024.
India, starting the day at a precarious 0 for 2 after losing Yashasvi Jaiswal and Sai Sudharsan to Chris Woakes’ devastating double strike in the first over of their second innings, faced a daunting 311-run deficit. Yet, a heroic unbeaten 174-run stand between KL Rahul (87 not out) and Shubman Gill (78 not out) over 63 overs turned the tide. The pair weathered England’s bowling attack, including Joe Root and part-time spinners, under overcast skies and on a deteriorating pitch, batting through two sessions to keep India’s hopes alive.
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Woakes led England’s bowling charge with early movement, but Stokes, hampered by cramps, opted not to bowl, raising doubts about his fitness for the final day. India’s bowlers, notably Jasprit Bumrah, who conceded over 100 runs for the first time, struggled to curb England’s lower order, with the ninth-wicket partnership adding 95 runs.
At stumps, India stood at 174 for 2, trailing by 137 runs with eight wickets remaining. The match hangs in the balance, with rain forecast to disrupt the fifth day. India will need a steely defense to secure a draw or chase an unlikely target, while England will aim to seize the remaining wickets and clinch victory in this pivotal World Test Championship clash.
