IND vs ENG Live Score, 4th Test Match Day 4

 

The fourth Test match between India and England at Old Trafford, Manchester, has been a thrilling spectacle, and Day 4 of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy has only amplified the drama. England captain Ben Stokes delivered a masterclass, slamming his 14th Test century and powering his team past the 600-run mark, leaving India with a mountain to climb. With England’s lead swelling beyond 290 runs, the match is poised on a knife’s edge, setting the stage for an enthralling conclusion. Let’s dive into the action-packed day and unpack the key moments that defined it.

Stokes’ Heroic Century: A Captain’s Knock

Ben Stokes has been the heartbeat of England’s campaign in this series, and on Day 4, he etched his name into cricketing folklore once again. Resuming at 77* after battling cramps on Day 3, Stokes showcased his resilience and class, reaching his 14th Test century in 164 balls. The milestone came with a deft leg glance off Mohammed Siraj, a shot that echoed the finesse of his teammate Joe Root’s century the previous day. Stokes’ celebration was heartfelt—he removed his helmet, looked skyward, and dedicated the moment to his late father, a gesture that resonated deeply with the Old Trafford crowd.

This century was particularly special, marking Stokes’ first three-figure score in Test cricket in over two years. It also made him the first England captain to achieve a century and a five-wicket haul in the same Test match, joining an elite group of all-rounders like Garry Sobers, Imran Khan, and Jacques Kallis. His knock was a blend of grit and aggression, featuring powerful drives, a nonchalant six over long-off, and a reverse-swept four that left India’s bowlers searching for answers. By the time England reached 648/8 after 153 overs, Stokes was unbeaten on 119, steering his team to a commanding 290-run lead.

England’s Batting Dominance: A 600-Run Milestone

England’s batting on Day 4 was a continuation of their relentless assault from Day 3, where Joe Root’s majestic 150 had already broken records. Root’s departure, stumped off Ravindra Jadeja for 150, had handed India a glimmer of hope, but Stokes and the lower order ensured England maintained their grip on the game. The team crossed the 600-run mark for only the second time at home in the last 20 years, a feat made even more significant as it came against an Indian side that last conceded a 600-plus total in 2014.

Brydon Carse played a crucial supporting role, contributing a quickfire 23* with a boundary and a six off Washington Sundar. Liam Dawson, who started the day at 21*, fell early to Jasprit Bumrah for 26, but not before England had extended their lead past 200. The hosts’ aggressive approach, often dubbed “Bazball,” was on full display as they piled on runs, with Stokes leading the charge. A notable moment came when Siraj’s wayward throw resulted in overthrows, allowing England to raise their 600th run, much to the frustration of the Indian fielders.

India’s Bowling Struggles: Bumrah’s Unwanted Record

For India, Day 4 was a tough grind. Jasprit Bumrah, the spearhead of their bowling attack, struck early by dismissing Dawson, but it was a rare bright spot in an otherwise challenging day. Bumrah, known for his lethal precision, conceded over 100 runs in an innings for the first time in his Test career—an unwanted milestone that underscored India’s struggles. Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar toiled hard, with Siraj conceding a boundary to Stokes’ century shot and Sundar being hit for a six and a four in quick succession. Ravindra Jadeja, too, found some success, including a six off Stokes’ bat, but India’s bowlers lacked the consistency to curb England’s momentum.

The Indian team, led by Shubman Gill, appeared weary after fielding for over 150 overs. The pitch, showing signs of uneven bounce, offered little assistance, and the overcast conditions that India hoped would aid their seamers didn’t yield the desired results. Fielding lapses, including a dropped catch and poor throws, further compounded their woes. With England showing no signs of declaring, India’s focus shifted to taking the remaining two wickets quickly to limit the damage.

The Context: England’s Commanding Position

England’s dominance on Day 4 was built on the foundation laid on Day 3, where they amassed 319 runs for the loss of five wickets. Starting the day at 225/2, they capitalized on a strong opening stand of 166 between Ben Duckett (94) and Zak Crawley (84). Joe Root’s 38th Test century, which saw him surpass Rahul Dravid, Jacques Kallis, and Ricky Ponting to become the second-highest run-scorer in Test cricket with 13,409 runs, was the highlight. Ollie Pope’s 71 and Stokes’ gritty 77 had already put England in a commanding position by stumps on Day 3, with a lead of 186 runs.

India, bowled out for 358 in their first innings, relied on half-centuries from Yashasvi Jaiswal (56) and Sai Sudharsan (61), but Stokes’ five-wicket haul (5/72) had tilted the scales in England’s favor. Rishabh Pant’s brave 37* despite a fractured foot was a highlight, but India’s batting frailties were exposed by England’s disciplined bowling. As Day 4 progressed, India faced a daunting task not only to bowl England out but also to chase a potentially massive target on a deteriorating pitch.

What Lies Ahead: India’s Uphill Battle

With England at 651/8 by the end of the latest updates, India’s challenge is twofold: restrict England’s lead and mount a spirited batting effort in their second innings. The pitch, showing signs of uneven bounce, could pose problems, but India’s top order featuring Gill, Jaiswal, and KL Rahul has the firepower to stage a comeback. However, they’ll need to overcome the psychological weight of England’s massive total and Stokes’ all-round brilliance.

For England, the focus will be on maximizing their lead before declaring, potentially before lunch, to give their bowlers enough time to exploit the pitch’s variable bounce. Stokes, with Jofra Archer and Brydon Carse in the ranks, will fancy their chances of running through India’s batting lineup. The weather, with a chance of showers in the morning, could play a role, but with improving conditions forecast, a full day’s play is likely.

The Bigger Picture: Series Implications

The fourth Test is critical in the context of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, with England leading 2-1. A win here could seal the series, while India needs a victory to level the scoreline heading into the fifth Test at The Oval. Stokes’ all-round heroics and Root’s record-breaking exploits have put England in the driver’s seat, but India’s resilience, led by Gill’s captaincy and Bumrah’s bowling, cannot be underestimated.

Conclusion: A Day of Stokes’ Supremacy

Day 4 of the fourth Test at Old Trafford belonged to Ben Stokes, whose 14th Test century and all-round brilliance have given England a stranglehold on the match. As England surged past 600 runs, India faced a steep challenge to claw their way back. With the series on the line, the final sessions promise high drama, and cricket fans worldwide will be glued to their screens to see if India can muster a miracle or if England’s “Bazball” will reign supreme. Stay tuned for what could be a defining moment in this gripping Test series.