Ben Stokes’ brilliance with both bat and ball placed England in firm control, but Shubman Gill and KL Rahul offered India a glimmer of hope on day four. After England posted a mammoth 699, India responded with 174 for 2 at stumps, still trailing by 137 runs.
Superb Stokes Puts England in the Driver’s Seat
The key highlight was Stokes’ century, which followed his first-innings five-wicket haul. That all-round feat placed him alongside legends like Garry Sobers and Jacques Kallis. England’s innings was bolstered by key contributions from Joe Root (150), Duckett (94), Crawley (84), and Pope (71), while Stokes’ aggressive 141 added firepower at the end.
His century came at a crucial time, with England already dominant. Music echoed through Old Trafford as the crowd recognized the heroic performance. Stokes’ knock ensured England reached 699, their fifth-highest Test total.
Captain Cool Ben Stokes! 🧊🔥
— wicketbuzz (@wicketbuzz) July 26, 2025
Leads from the front with a calm and composed 141 against India in the 4th Test.
What a knock under pressure!
📸 Getty #BenStokes #ENGvsIND #TestCricket #CaptainKnock #WTC2025 #Getty pic.twitter.com/F5W4XUxfIP
Woakes Strikes Early, But Rahul-Gill Partnership Stands Tall
India’s innings began in chaos. Chris Woakes delivered a dream first over, removing Jaiswal and Sudharsan without scoring. However, the situation stabilized once KL Rahul and Shubman Gill took charge. Their partnership lasted two sessions without losing a wicket, which helped India recover from a perilous 0 for 2.
Stokes’ century kept England ahead, but India’s middle order finally showed resilience. Rahul reached 87*, while Gill was unbeaten on 78 by stumps.
Gill and Rahul Weather the Storm
Gill started shakily, almost falling early to Archer’s yorker. But once settled, he trusted his technique and played to his strengths. His strokeplay included elegant drives and sharp cuts, reminiscent of Indian greats. Meanwhile, Rahul relied on patience and discipline. He saw off the new ball, played the long game, and built his innings brick by brick.
Together, they added crucial runs and chewed up overs, increasing India’s hopes of survival on the final day.
*Day 4 Stumps | Manchester*
— wicketbuzz (@wicketbuzz) July 26, 2025
India trail by 137 runs 🏏
Do or die on Day 5 — can India script a comeback or will England seal the series?
📸 Getty #INDvsENG #TestCricket #TeamIndia #ManchesterTest #Getty pic.twitter.com/OI7H02hgeN
Day Five: A Crucial Battle Awaits
As day five looms, weather could be a factor. Yet, Stokes’ century keeps England ahead firmly, while India’s fighting stand by Rahul and Gill sets the stage for a thrilling finish.
