The fourth day of the fourth Test at Old Trafford, Manchester, began under overcast skies with England already in control of the match. The hosts, resuming their first innings, batted with authority as Ben Stokes produced one of the finest innings of his career. His brilliant 141 not only extended England’s dominance but also carried historical significance, as he became just the third all-rounder in Test history to achieve the remarkable double of 7000 runs and 200 wickets.
The morning session unfolded with India attempting to wrap up the English tail quickly. Jasprit Bumrah made an early breakthrough when Liam Dawson was caught, briefly raising hopes of restricting the lead. However, those hopes faded as Stokes shifted gears. Batting with controlled aggression, the England captain punished every loose ball, steering his side toward a commanding total. His acceleration after crossing the century mark was devastating: he scored an additional 41 runs in just 34 deliveries, hitting drives and pulls with complete authority. Brydon Carse offered vital support with a swift 47, adding quick runs and leaving India’s bowlers searching for answers.
England’s innings finally concluded at 669, handing them an imposing 311-run lead. This huge advantage set the stage for a difficult period for India just before lunch.
Stumps on Day 4 in Manchester! 🏟️
— BCCI (@BCCI) July 26, 2025
A splendid partnership between Captain Shubman Gill (78*) & KL Rahul (87*) takes #TeamIndia to 174/2 👏👏
A gripping final day of Test cricket awaits ⏳
Scorecard ▶️ https://t.co/L1EVgGu4SI#ENGvIND pic.twitter.com/1EMrsu90I3
Woakes Strikes a Double Blow Before Lunch
India’s reply began in disastrous fashion during a short but dramatic three-over spell before the lunch break. With conditions ideal for seam movement, Chris Woakes delivered a crushing double-wicket maiden that shook India’s top order. Yashasvi Jaiswal, the in-form opener, was beaten by away movement and edged behind without scoring. On the very next delivery, Sai Sudharsan was dismissed in a similar fashion, unsure whether to play or leave.
India’s second innings scoreboard read 0 for 2, and the visiting side had not even opened their account when the damage was done. With a hat-trick ball looming, Shubman Gill survived a close lbw appeal, ensuring no further casualties before the break.
The Gill-Rahul Stand: Composure Under Pressure
What followed after lunch was a display of exceptional discipline, focus, and grit. Shubman Gill and KL Rahul came together with the team under immense pressure and gradually rebuilt India’s innings from a position of crisis. Facing a relentless English attack on a challenging pitch, the duo showed exemplary concentration to weather the storm.
Throughout the post-lunch session, Gill and Rahul focused on leaving balls outside off, defending resolutely, and waiting for scoring opportunities. Gill’s technique was particularly impressive, playing close to the body to nullify the seam movement. Rahul, on the other hand, absorbed pressure with watchful patience, wearing down the bowlers.
By tea, their unbroken partnership had reached 86 runs. Gill had brought up his half-century with a mixture of elegance and grit, striking occasional boundaries to relieve the tension. Rahul remained steadfast at the other end, anchoring the partnership.
England’s Bowlers Kept at Bay
The evening session saw England rotate their attack in search of wickets. Chris Woakes and Jofra Archer bowled probing lines, consistently challenging the outside edge. Brydon Carse tried a short-ball barrage, going around the wicket and testing the batsmen with sharp bouncers. Liam Dawson and Joe Root operated in tandem with spin, looking for uneven bounce or a lapse in concentration.
Despite the pressure, India’s third-wicket pair held firm. Rahul began to open up after his fifty, hitting a couple of crisp boundaries off Woakes. Gill continued to bat fluently, adding runs through deft glances and strong drives. England had moments where they came close—a sharp chance went down in the gully, Dawson almost trapped Gill with an arm ball that caught an inside edge, and another top-edged sweep from Rahul fell safely. However, none of these opportunities materialized into a breakthrough.
The absence of Stokes as a bowler due to a hamstring problem became evident during this period. Without their captain’s contribution, England lacked the extra edge to dismantle the partnership.
Key Phases of the Resistance
The partnership progressed steadily:
- 100-Run Stand: Their focus and patience paid off as they reached the hundred-run mark in the final session, a significant psychological milestone given the early collapse.
- Tactical Counterattacks: Rahul struck back-to-back boundaries when Archer overpitched, while Gill found scoring opportunities when Dawson overcompensated.
- Defensive Solidity: For over 370 deliveries combined, neither batsman gave England a clear chance, forcing the hosts to work tirelessly for any opening.
By stumps, India had reached 174 for 2, still 137 runs behind but with a sense of hope restored thanks to the unbroken stand of 174 runs between Rahul (87 not out) and Gill (78 not out).
Impact of Stokes’ Century and Absence
While Stokes’ 141 was the defining highlight of England’s innings, his inability to bowl due to a hamstring issue proved critical. Without his seam-bowling options, England’s attack appeared less balanced. The reliance on Woakes, Archer, Carse, and Dawson was heavy, and by the final session the bowlers looked fatigued, allowing India’s batters to settle.
Score Summary at the End of Day 4
- England – First Innings: 669 all out
(Joe Root 150, Ben Stokes 141; Ravindra Jadeja 4-143) - India – First Innings: 358 all out
- India – Second Innings: 174/2 at Stumps
(KL Rahul 87*, Shubman Gill 78*; Chris Woakes 2-48)
India trail by 137 runs with eight wickets in hand.
Key Performances of Day 4
- Ben Stokes: 141 runs and entry into the 7000 runs/200 wickets club.
- KL Rahul: A patient, unbeaten 87, leading India’s resistance.
- Shubman Gill: Stylish 78 not out, demonstrating both technique and resilience.
- Chris Woakes: Early burst with a double-wicket maiden that threatened to decide the match.
What Lies Ahead on Day 5
The final day promises an absorbing battle. England will begin the day as favorites, needing early wickets to press for a decisive victory. India, however, will enter with renewed belief. A draw remains achievable if the Gill-Rahul partnership extends deep into the day and others contribute with similar discipline.
Every session will be crucial, as a single breakthrough early in the morning could open the door for England, but a prolonged period of resistance could frustrate their plans.
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That's stumps.
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) July 26, 2025
We need eight wickets to win the Test and the series going into Day 5 👊 pic.twitter.com/6Hqvwng7Xs
Conclusion
Day 4 at Old Trafford was a tale of two contrasting halves. England’s control and Stokes’ heroics dominated the morning, leaving India staring at defeat. Yet the resilience of Shubman Gill and KL Rahul turned the tide, keeping the visitors alive in the contest and setting up a gripping finale. With the series poised delicately, the fifth day promises drama, tension, and high-quality Test cricket.
