England have taken complete control of the 4th Test against India at Old Trafford, posting an imposing first-innings total of 669 and establishing a massive lead of 311 runs as Day 4 unfolds[1].[2] India’s bowlers struggled significantly on a batting-friendly pitch, with England’s openers Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett laying the foundation with a superb 166-run opening partnership. Joe Root stole the spotlight, scoring a commanding 150 and becoming the second-highest run-scorer in Test history, surpassing legends like Rahul Dravid and Jacques Kallis[6]. Ben Stokes contributed a vital 141, showing remarkable resilience after coming back from a brief retirement hurt to finish unbeaten[3].
India, after being dismissed for 358 in their first innings, made a disastrous start to their second innings on Day 4, losing both Yashasvi Jaiswal and B Sai Sudharsan for ducks in the very first over bowled by Chris Woakes. This left India reeling at 1/2 after 3 overs, trailing England by 310 runs heading into lunch[3]. The responsibility now falls squarely on KL Rahul and captain Shubman Gill, who must forge a substantial partnership to keep India in the contest and avoid a series-deciding defeat, with England currently leading the five-match series 2-1[3].
Earlier, England’s dominance was clear as the Indian bowlers failed to maintain discipline or capitalize on the changing pitch and weather conditions. Criticism was aimed at India’s tactics, particularly the delayed introduction of Washington Sundar, who eventually managed to take some key wickets[2]. However, it was not enough to halt England’s run surge, as Root and Stokes powered England to one of Old Trafford’s highest-ever Test totals against India[1].[4]
With England holding an unprecedented advantage and India facing early setbacks in their second innings, the hosts are firm favorites to clinch both the match and the series unless the visitors produce an extraordinary comeback from this precarious position[3].[6]
References
- [1] India vs England LIVE Score, 4th Test Day 4 Updates – The Indian Express
- [2] India vs England 4th Test Live Score Day 4, IND vs ENG – Hindustan Times
- [3] India vs England LIVE Score, 4th Test Day 4 – NDTV Sports
- [4] India vs England Highlights, 4th Test Day 3 – NDTV Sports
- [5] India Vs England Highlights, 4th Test Day 3 – News18
- [6] England vs India: Joe Root hits 150 to move second among leading Test run-scorers – Sky Sports
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