India were in deep trouble at the end of Day 4 of the fourth Test match at Old Trafford. After conceding a huge lead of 311 runs in the first innings, Chris Woakes delivered early blows by dismissing Yashasvi Jaiswal and Sai Sudharsan on consecutive deliveries. At stumps, India were 174/2, with Shubman Gill unbeaten on 78 and KL Rahul on 87. Much of England’s commanding position was due to Ben Stokes, who played a superb innings on Day 4. Now, England need 8 wickets to take the series lead, and India need to somehow draw the match.

England Posted Huge Total

England posted 669 runs — their fifth-highest Test total and the best since their 823-run score against Pakistan in October 2024. The ninth-wicket partnership between Stokes and Brydon Carse added 95 off 97 balls. Carse nearly scored consecutive fifties. England also broke the record for the highest total at Old Trafford.

Stokes’ final 41 runs came in just 34 balls. He hit three sixes — one so powerful it spun him around after the shot. It was his first hundred in 35 innings. When he reached the milestone with a shot down leg side, he glanced up at the sky and paid tribute to his late father, Ged. The crowd responded with music — “Paaaa-pa-pa-pa-paaaaaa…”

India Looked Exhausted

Earlier in the day, India looked exhausted after spending 157.1 overs in the field. Their bowlers had delivered 943 balls, and the fatigue was clear. In the 15 minutes before lunch, England struck twice.

Chris Woakes came around the wicket and removed Yashasvi Jaiswal for a duck. The ball moved off the seam, took the edge, and carried to Joe Root, who grabbed it on the second attempt. Then, B Sai Sudharsan walked in and was out trying to leave a short ball — a poor decision caused by tiredness.

India was 0 for 2. But Shubman Gill and KL Rahul led a strong recovery. They batted through two sessions without losing a wicket, suggesting the pitch had flattened. Rain is forecast for the final morning, but it may clear by the afternoon, giving both teams a chance to push for a result.

Gill Settles After Nervy Start

Gill looked shaky early. His front pad became a target. Around 37% of his dismissals in Test cricket have been bowled or lbw. Jofra Archer nearly got him with a swinging yorker, but DRS showed the ball hit both his bat and pad at once.

Despite some tense moments, Gill trusted his instincts. He stopped trying to overcorrect and started playing to his strengths. Drives, cuts, and drop-and-run singles helped him find rhythm. One elegant straight drive reminded fans of past Indian greats who used MRF bats. He made good use of a missed chance — Liam Dawson dropped him at gully on 46 — and kept going.

Gill passed Virat Kohli’s 655-run mark from the 2016 England series. He is now chasing Sunil Gavaskar’s 732, the most by an Indian captain in a Test series. He ended the day unbeaten on 78 off 163 balls, after slowing down deliberately to protect his wicket.

Rahul’s Patient Masterclass

KL Rahul played in an old-school fashion. He looked solid in defense and picked his moments to attack. Early on, he faced 71 balls for 20 runs. But he stayed calm and disciplined, even smiling at Archer when a fast ball narrowly missed his bat.

With time, Rahul opened up. He scored 67 runs off the next 139 balls and reached 500 runs in a series for the first time in his career. On 36, he had a lucky break when an inside edge off Dawson just missed his stumps.

Together, Gill and Rahul added 137 runs for the third wicket. Their stand gave India hope after a rough start and helped set the stage for a final-day thriller.

Stokes Doesn’t Bowl but Keeps Control

Stokes did not bowl a single over on Day 4, raising slight concerns. But earlier, he had responded to pressure with intent. In the morning, Mohammed Siraj thought he had run Stokes out. In reply, Stokes smashed a boundary off him in the next over — making a statement.

Despite not bowling later, Stokes stayed active and focused. His leadership, alongside his century and five-wicket haul, has kept England firmly in charge.

A Final Day with All to Play For

England holds the advantage. India still trails and needs a massive effort on Day 5. Rain may play a role, but if the skies clear, this match could go down to the wire.

Brief Scorecard