England asserted dominance in the fourth Test at Old Trafford with a monumental first-innings total of 669, their highest ever at the venue. Captain Ben Stokes led from the front with a masterful 141, marking his first Test century in over two years and completing a rare double of scoring a hundred and taking five wickets in the same match. Joe Root added another century to surpass Ricky Ponting in the all-time Test run list, while Brydon Carse’s quickfire 47 helped stretch England’s lead to a massive 311 runs.
India’s response began in dramatic fashion. Chris Woakes ripped through the top order in the very first over, removing Yashasvi Jaiswal and Sai Sudharsan for ducks off consecutive deliveries. At 0 for 2, India’s innings threatened to collapse entirely under pressure. However, Shubman Gill and KL Rahul rose to the occasion, stitching together a resilient 131-run partnership to steady the innings and keep India in the fight.
Gill, who has been in exceptional touch throughout the series, reached 71 not out with a blend of elegant drives and assured defence, notching his fourth fifty of the tour. Rahul complemented him with a composed 70 not out, providing the stability India desperately needed after the early blows. Their partnership ensured India reached 150 for 2 by the close of play, reducing some of the pressure but still leaving a daunting task ahead with a 311-run deficit.
For England, the day belonged to their batting juggernaut. Stokes’ century was not only crucial in terms of runs but also historic; he became the first England captain to record a century and a five-wicket haul in the same Test. Root’s milestone of becoming the first player to score over 1,000 Test runs at Old Trafford underlined England’s batting dominance.
India’s bowlers endured a tough outing, with Jasprit Bumrah conceding over 100 runs in an innings for the first time in his Test career, highlighting the relentless assault they faced. The attack lacked penetration, and England capitalized fully, piling on runs and breaking records in the process.
Heading into the fifth day, India’s hopes hinge heavily on Gill and Rahul extending their stand and the middle order stepping up to erase the deficit. With 311 runs still separating the teams, survival is the immediate priority before any thoughts of saving the Test can emerge. England, on the other hand, remain firmly in control, with a potent bowling attack eager to exploit any cracks in the Indian resistance and wrap up a series win.
The stage is set for a tense conclusion: India fighting to stay alive in the match and series, and England looking to convert their dominance into a decisive victory.