Chris Woakes Shines as England Dominates India on Day 4 at Old Trafford
England’s Chris Woakes emerged as the hero on Day 4 at Old Trafford as he dismissed Yashasvi Jaiswal and Sai Sudharsan in the opening over to put India firmly on the backfoot. This crucial double-wicket maiden over set the tone for England’s commanding performance, building on the foundation laid by Ben Stokes’s magnificent 141 runs to take a 311-run lead over India.
England’s Dominance in the Morning Session
The day started with England adding 125 quick runs in the morning session, taking advantage of the overcast conditions to up the ante after skipper Joe Root’s 14th Test century. Despite the pressure, India had three overs to negotiate before Lunch, but Woakes struck early to dent their hopes of a strong start in the second innings.
Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj led India’s bowling attack on the fourth morning, but Stokes and England quickly brought up the team’s 550. Stokes continued his onslaught, extending England’s first innings lead to over 200 as Liam Dawson faced some tense moments at the crease before falling to Bumrah.
Ben Stokes’s Heroics and Milestones
Stokes’s brilliant performance did not stop there as he went on to score his 14th Test century, breaking a 25-month dry spell. His aggressive batting style saw him reach 7000 runs and 200 wickets in Tests, joining elite allrounders like Gary Sobers and Jacques Kallis.
Stokes and Brydon Carse pushed England’s total past 600, with Stokes taking on the Indian spinners with a flurry of boundaries and sixes. Despite a quick 41-run burst after his century, Stokes eventually fell to a big shot attempt, leaving Carse to play a handy cameo of 47 runs as England declared at 669 with a comfortable 311-run lead.
Woakes Strikes Early for England
Following England’s strong declaration, Woakes wasted no time in putting India on the mat with his double dismissal of Jaiswal and Sudharsan in just five balls. The Indian captain, Shubman Gill, survived a close LBW shout on the hat-trick ball but managed to play out the remaining two overs quietly as India faced an uphill battle to close the gap.
Overall, England’s dominant performance on Day 4 showcased their strength with both bat and ball, leaving India with a challenging task ahead to avoid defeat in the upcoming days of the Test match.
Stay tuned for more updates as the England-India Test match continues to unfold at Old Trafford.
India’s Mounting Pressure and Resilience
Despite facing a significant deficit, India’s batsmen faced a daunting task in the second innings against England’s formidable bowling attack. The pressure was evident as they lost early wickets, with Woakes setting a fiery pace for the English side. However, the Indian batsmen showed resilience as Shubman Gill and Cheteshwar Pujara steadied the ship after the initial blows, displaying grit and determination to weather the storm.
With the pitch offering some assistance to the bowlers, England’s bowlers continued to apply pressure on the Indian batsmen, looking to capitalize on the early breakthroughs. The battle between bat and ball intensified as India fought to narrow the lead and set a competitive target for England to chase in the final innings of the Test match.
Key Battles and Strategic Moves
As the match progressed, key battles emerged on the field, with strategic moves and tactical decisions playing a crucial role in shaping the outcome. England’s captain Joe Root utilized his bowlers effectively, rotating them to keep the pressure on the Indian batsmen and create opportunities for breakthroughs.
On the other hand, India’s batting lineup faced a stern test against England’s disciplined bowling attack, with each batsman having to dig deep and showcase their skills to counter the relentless pressure. The partnership between Gill and Pujara proved vital in stabilizing India’s innings, highlighting the importance of partnerships in Test cricket and the ability to absorb pressure in challenging situations.
Looking Ahead to the Final Day
As the match heads into the final day at Old Trafford, the stage is set for an intriguing battle between England and India. With the outcome hanging in the balance, both teams will need to bring their A-game to secure victory in what promises to be a thrilling conclusion to the Test match.
Cricket fans around the world are eagerly anticipating the final day’s play, where every run, wicket, and decision will have a significant impact on the result. As the drama unfolds on the field, the players will be tested both physically and mentally, showcasing the true essence of Test cricket and the relentless pursuit of victory.
Stay Engaged for the Exciting Conclusion
As the England-India Test match reaches its climax, cricket enthusiasts can look forward to an enthralling finish at Old Trafford. The battle between bat and ball, the strategic maneuvering, and the sheer determination of the players will be on full display as both teams vie for supremacy in this high-stakes encounter.
Be sure to follow the action closely as the final day unfolds, witnessing the drama, excitement, and tension that only Test cricket can deliver. The outcome hangs in the balance, with every moment adding to the narrative of this captivating contest between two cricketing giants.
Don’t miss out on the thrilling conclusion to the England-India Test match as the teams go head-to-head in a battle of skill, strategy, and sheer determination on the cricket field.
