India's hopes of turning around the fourth Test at Old Trafford took a severe hit early on Day 4 as England's Chris Woakes delivered a blistering start, dismissing both Yashasvi Jaiswal and Sai Sudharsan for ducks in the very first over of India's second innings. This devastating double strike left India reeling at 1 for 2, still trailing by a massive 310 runs, setting the tone for a tense continuation of this high-stakes encounter.
The match, held at Manchester's Old Trafford, has been a gripping battle with England posting an imposing first innings total of 669 runs—the highest ever recorded at this venue in a Test match. England’s dominant position was further reinforced by skipper Ben Stokes, who showcased his all-round brilliance by scoring his 14th Test century and taking a five-wicket haul, a rare feat that places him among the elite in England cricket history.
Woakes' opening salvo on Day 4 was clinical and swift. Jaiswal, who had faced four balls without scoring, attempted to flick an away-swinger but was caught by Joe Root at first slip. On the very next delivery, Sudharsan, who shaped to leave the ball, edged it to Harry Brook at second slip, falling for a golden duck. This marked only the second time in Test history that India lost two wickets in the first over of an innings, the previous instance dating back to 2014 against New Zealand in Auckland. Even more strikingly, the last time India lost two wickets without a run on the board was in 1983 against the West Indies in Chennai.
Despite this rocky start, India found resilience through a commanding partnership between Shubman Gill and KL Rahul. The duo steadied the innings with a 174-run stand, demonstrating patience and grit as they negotiated a total of 377 deliveries between them. Gill, the top run-scorer in the ongoing series, remained unbeaten on 78 off 167 balls, hitting 10 fours, while Rahul was undefeated on 87 off 210 deliveries. Their partnership trimmed England's lead to 137 runs and kept India's hopes alive as the Test moved into its fifth day.
Gill's performance was particularly notable as he surpassed Virat Kohli to become the second-highest run-scorer among Indian captains in a Test series, trailing only the legendary Sunil Gavaskar, who amassed 732 runs against the West Indies in the 1978/79 series. Rahul, too, continued his fine form, ranking second in the series' run charts, underscoring his importance to India's batting lineup.
England's innings on Day 3 had been bolstered by Stokes' masterful 141 runs from 198 deliveries, including 11 fours and three sixes. His crucial 95-run partnership with Brydon Carse for the ninth wicket piled further pressure on India. However, Ravindra Jadeja emerged as India's standout bowler, claiming four wickets from 37.1 overs while conceding 143 runs, providing vital breakthroughs for the visitors.
As the match progressed, the physical toll on players became evident. India’s wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant, nursing a foot injury sustained earlier in the series, displayed remarkable courage by adding 17 runs to his overnight score on Day 2 despite his discomfort. His determination to bat if the situation demands reflects the fighting spirit India has shown throughout this series.
On the England side, concerns arose over Ben Stokes' fitness. Having not yet bowled in India's second innings and hobbling in the field, questions loomed about his availability to bowl on the final day. England assistant coach Marcus Trescothick expressed hope that Stokes would recover after rest and physiotherapy, while cricket expert Ravi Shastri suggested the captain was conserving energy for a crucial spell when needed. Former England captain Michael Vaughan lauded Stokes as 'superhuman,' noting that the all-rounder might have been hoping the wickets would fall without requiring his bowling intervention.
The pitch at Old Trafford has presented a unique challenge. Despite uneven bounce, it is not particularly quick, and as the ball ages, it becomes less threatening, allowing batsmen like Gill and Rahul to settle in and build innings. Nasser Hussain emphasized the challenge England faces, noting that Indian batsmen are tenacious and unlikely to give away their wickets easily, especially with the series on the line.
Weather conditions also add an element of unpredictability, with a chance of rain forecast for the morning of Day 5. Historically, Lancashire's home County Championship matches have tended to end in draws this season, hinting that the pitch may not deteriorate rapidly enough to offer bowlers significant assistance.
As it stands, England lead the five-Test series 2-1, with the fourth Test at Old Trafford shaping up for a thrilling conclusion. The final Test is scheduled at The Kia Oval from July 31 to August 4, promising more cricket drama ahead. Both teams have shown moments of brilliance and resilience, and the outcome of this Test could have significant implications for the series momentum.
With India battling to avoid an innings defeat and England aiming to clinch the series, the stage is set for a gripping final day. The fitness of key players like Stokes and Pant, the steadfast partnership of Gill and Rahul, and the tactical acumen of both teams will be crucial in determining the outcome. Cricket fans worldwide will be eagerly watching as this enthralling contest unfolds.
