Rahul-Gill’s Strong Reply: The Decisive Day is Today

Manchester: On Saturday, the fourth day of the fourth Test at Old Trafford, India lost two early wickets in the second innings but bounced back with a solid third-wicket partnership that gave a fitting reply to the English side. At the end of play, India had scored 174 runs for the loss of two wickets, still needing 137 runs to erase the deficit. If Team India manages to draw this match, it will certainly go down as one of the most remarkable draws in the 148-year history of Test cricket. England currently leads the five-match series 2-1. For the Indian batsmen, today’s task is as tough as climbing Mount Everest.

First Two Hours Today are Crucial

Opener KL Rahul (87 not out, 210 balls, 8 fours) and captain Shubman Gill (78 not out, 167 balls, 10 fours) are playing memorable innings. Whether they and Rishabh Pant can save India on this final day remains to be seen, as the first session before lunch will be intensely competitive.

Salute to the Rahul-Gill Partnership

After fielding for 157 overs and watching the English batsmen pile up 669 runs with a 311-run lead, India lost two wickets in the first five balls of their second innings. After such a grueling battle, no one expected Rahul and Gill to bat together for 62.1 overs on the Old Trafford pitch.

Brave Resistance Against Five English Bowlers

India’s third-wicket partnership, which began at zero after the dismissals of Yashasvi Jaiswal (0) and Sai Sudharsan (0), stood strong against England’s five-bowler attack and carried the team to 174/2 by stumps.

Woakes Takes Two Wickets in Two Balls

India’s second innings had barely started when Chris Woakes dismissed Yashasvi on the fourth ball and Sai Sudharsan on the fifth of the very first over. Shubman Gill, batting at number four, joined opener Rahul early. Historically, India has never won a Test at this venue, and even a draw here would be seen as a miracle.

Stokes Matches Records of Tony Greig and Botham

Earlier, England resumed from 544/7 and lost their eighth wicket at 563. Liam Dawson was clean bowled by Bumrah after scoring 26 runs from 65 balls, sharing a 35-run stand with captain Ben Stokes. Following Joe Root’s 150, Stokes also completed a century—scoring 141 from 198 balls with three sixes and eleven fours. He became the third English all-rounder after Tony Greig, Ian Botham, and Gus Atkinson to score a century and take five wickets in the same Test innings.

Jadeja Takes Four, Washington Two Wickets

England’s first innings ended at a mammoth 669 runs, securing a huge 311-run lead. Stokes was dismissed for 141, caught by Sudharsan off Jadeja. Jadeja took four wickets, Washington Sundar and Bumrah grabbed two each, while Kamboj and Siraj took one apiece. Winning the match now seems difficult for India, but to force a draw, the Indian batsmen must be resolute and score heavily.