The fourth day of the fourth Test match between India and England at Old Trafford, Manchester, on July 26, 2025, was a captivating blend of dominance and defiance. England, leading the series 2-1, showcased their batting prowess, amassing a colossal 669 in their first innings, driven by centuries from Ben Stokes and Joe Root. T
his set India a daunting challenge, with a 311-run lead to overcome. However, India’s response, after a catastrophic start, was marked by a resilient 174-run partnership between Shubman Gill and KL Rahul, offering hope of a draw. Despite early rain interruptions, the day unfolded into a gripping contest, setting the stage for an enthralling final day.
The match, played under initially overcast skies, saw England aim to maximize their lead, while India fought to limit the damage and mount a fightback with the bat. The pitch, slowing down but still offering some bounce, played a crucial role in the day’s events, making India’s batting effort all the more commendable.
England’s Batting Masterclass: Stokes and Root Redefine Dominance
England’s batting on Day 4 was a display of vintage Test cricket, characterized by aggression, resilience, and depth. Resuming their first innings at 544/7, ended up at 669, securing a commanding 311-run lead over India’s first-innings total of 358. The architects of this monumental score were Ben Stokes and Joe Root, whose centuries not only bolstered England’s position but also shifted the game’s aura decisively in their favor.
Ben Stokes, England’s inspirational captain, led from the front with a magnificent 141, his 14th Test century. His innings was a perfect blend of controlled aggression and solid defense, featuring powerful drives, pulls, and flicks that kept the Indian bowlers at bay. Stokes’ performance was particularly remarkable given his earlier contribution with the ball, where he took 5/72 in India’s first innings. This rare feat—scoring a century and taking five wickets in the same Test—made him only the fifth male captain in Test history to achieve this milestone, joining the likes of cricketing legends. His all-round brilliance has been the heartbeat of England’s campaign in this series.
Joe Root, at the other end, was equally imperious, scoring a sublime 150, his 31st Test century. Root’s innings was a masterclass in technique, with his trademark cover drives and deft cuts piercing the field with precision. The 200-run partnership between Stokes and Root for the sixth wicket was the defining moment of England’s innings, transforming a strong position into an unassailable one. Root’s milestone also saw him become the second-highest run-getter in Test cricket, further cementing his legacy.
England’s batting depth was on full display, with Brydon Carse (47) and Liam Dawson adding a patient (26). These contributions ensured England crossed the 650-run mark, finishing with their fifth-highest Test total ever. This was vintage England—fearless, relentless, and collective in their approach, with every batsman playing a role in piling on the runs and putting India under immense pressure.
India’s Bowling Struggles: A Day of Toil
India’s bowling attack, which had shown signs of fatigue, struggled to contain England’s rampant batting. On Day 3, they managed only two wickets as England raced to 544/7, and Day 4 saw similar challenges. England added 125 runs for the loss of just two more wickets, leaving India with a massive 311-run deficit. Ravindra Jadeja was the standout bowler, finishing with four wickets, his left-arm spin providing some control. However, the rest of the attack lacked penetration.
Jasprit Bumrah, India’s pace spearhead, endured a rare off-day, conceding over 100 runs for the first time in his Test career. This statistic raised concerns about his workload and fitness. The Indian bowling unit appeared one-dimensional, with the pacers struggling to exploit the pitch’s variable bounce. Washington Sundar, introduced late into the attack, picked up two wickets, but by then, England had already built a formidable total.
The Indian bowlers’ inability to break through England’s batting lineup was compounded by tactical errors, such as the delayed use of Sundar. The pitch, which had offered some assistance earlier, flattened out, making it harder for the bowlers to create chances. England’s batsmen capitalized on this, scoring freely and exposing India’s bowling frailties.
India’s Batting Fightback: Gill and Rahul Stand Tall
India’s second innings began on a nightmarish note, with Chris Woakes striking twice in the first over to dismiss Yashasvi Jaiswal and Sai Sudharsan for ducks, leaving India at 0/2. The early blows threatened a collapse, but Shubman Gill and KL Rahul staged a remarkable recovery, forging an unbroken 174-run partnership for the third wicket that kept India in the contest.
Shubman Gill, under pressure after a lean patch, played with assurance, scoring 78* off 167 balls. His innings was a blend of elegant strokeplay and resolute defense, with cover drives and flicks off his pads showcasing his class. Rahul, the vice-captain, was the epitome of patience, scoring 87* off 210 balls. His disciplined approach, combined with occasional attacking shots, frustrated England’s bowlers. Together, they batted through 62 overs, facing over 370 balls, and added 174 runs without further loss.
The partnership was a masterclass in Test match batting, with both players surviving close calls, including a dropped catch for Gill and contentious lbw appeals. By stumps, India had reached 174/2, reducing England’s lead to 137 runs. While chasing 312 runs remains improbable, their effort has given India a fighting chance to draw the match.
England’s Bowling: Woakes’ Early Strike, But Partnership Holds Firm
England’s bowling attack, led by Chris Woakes, made an immediate impact. Woakes’ fiery opening spell saw him dismiss both Indian openers in the first over, finishing with figures of 2/48. His ability to swing the ball and exploit early conditions put India on the back foot. However, the absence of Ben Stokes, who did not bowl due to a hamstring concern, limited England’s options.
Jofra Archer bowled with pace and bounce, testing Gill and Rahul with short-pitched deliveries, but the duo negotiated him well. Liam Dawson, the left-arm spinner, bowled tightly but lacked the penetration to break the partnership. England tried various tactics, including leg-side traps and bowling around the wicket, but Gill and Rahul’s resilience ensured no further breakthroughs. The pitch, slowing down with some uneven bounce, remained favorable for batting, making England’s task harder.
Looking Ahead to Day 5
As the match heads into its final day on July 27, 2025, India are at 174/2, trailing by 137 runs with eight wickets in hand. A chase of 312 runs is highly unlikely, but a draw remains within reach if Gill and Rahul continue their vigil and the lower order contributes. The pitch is expected to offer some turn for spinners, and with the new ball due soon, England’s pacers will be eager to strike early.
England, favored to win, will aim to wrap up the innings quickly to secure the series. The absence of Stokes’ bowling could be a factor, but their attack, led by Archer and Woakes, remains potent. Weather forecasts suggest possible rain interruptions, which could aid India’s cause. The match is poised for a dramatic finish, with India fighting for survival and England pushing for victory.
Day 4 of the fourth Test was a tale of two halves—England’s batting dominance, led by Stokes and Root, and India’s spirited fightback through Gill and Rahul. The match remains finely balanced, with both teams having something to play for. As Old Trafford prepares for the final day, cricket fans worldwide await an exciting conclusion to this enthralling contest.
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