England tightened their grip on the 4th Test with a massive first-innings total of 669, led by Ben Stokes’ brilliant 141 and a rare all-round performance that saw him claim a five-wicket haul in the match. Stokes became only the fourth England player to achieve the landmark of scoring a century and taking five wickets in the same Test.
India’s reply got off to a disastrous start as Chris Woakes struck twice in the very first over after lunch, removing both openers for ducks. At 0/2, India looked in serious trouble, still trailing by more than 300 runs.
However, KL Rahul (87) and Shubman Gill (78)** came to the rescue with a resolute, unbeaten 174-run partnership. Their composure and grit against England’s fiery pace attack allowed India to finish Day 4 on 174/2, still trailing by 137 runs but with renewed hope of saving the Test.
- England’s Total: 669 all out – their fifth-highest Test score.
- Ben Stokes’ Milestone: 141 runs and a five-wicket haul, cementing his status as England’s match-winner.
- Woakes’ Double Strike: Dismissed both Indian openers in the first over of the innings.
- India’s Fightback: Rahul and Gill batted through two full sessions without losing a wicket.
India’s Position
Rahul and Gill have provided India with the platform they desperately needed after early setbacks. Their ability to negotiate England’s pacers, combined with patience and shot selection, has kept India alive in the contest. The pair will aim to erase the 137-run deficit as early as possible on Day 5.
England’s Strategy
England still hold the upper hand. With the new ball only 10 overs away, they will look to break the Rahul-Gill partnership quickly and expose India’s middle order. Stokes’ fitness is a concern, as he did not bowl on Day 4 due to stiffness, but England’s bowling depth remains strong.
What India Needs to Do
- Build Partnerships: After Rahul and Gill, the likes of Jadeja, and Washington Sundar must contribute heavily.
- Avoid the loosing wicket early on Day 5
- Survive Early Morning Spells: The first hour on Day 5 will be crucial with the ball likely to move under cloudy Manchester conditions.
England lead the series 2–1 and are on the verge of clinching the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy. India must either bat out the final day or surpass England’s lead and avoid a collapse to keep their chances alive.
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