Making a fascinating start to day four of the fourth Test, England dominated the opening innings, putting on a colossal 669 all out, powered by Ben Stokes’s 141—his first Test century in two years. Alongside Stokes’s heroics, Joe Root’s century enabled further scoreboard pressure. With a big total, England secured a 311-run first-innings lead, eyeing a series-clinching win.
India’s second innings began in catastrophe, with openers Yashasvi Jaiswal and Sai Sudharsan falling to two consecutive balls from Chris Woakes in the very first over. However, captain Shubman Gill and KL Rahul led India’s recovery from 2-0 to 174 without further loss. Gill was 78* off 167 balls, with 10 fours, while Rahul reached 87* off 210 deliveries, with eight boundaries. India, meanwhile, are still 137 runs behind with eight wickets in hand as they hope to bat out the final day to salvage a draw. They closed day four on 174-2.
England, on the other hand, are hoping captain Ben Stokes will be available to bowl on day four as they look to lock a Test series victory over India at Old Trafford. After scoring 141, Stokes didn't bowl on day four, having also retired hurt on the third evening due to a cramp issue.