MANCHESTER: Shubman Gill and KL Rahul revived India’s hopes on Day 4 of the fourth Test in Manchester, stitching together a gritty 174-run stand that kept the visitors in the hunt after a formidable first-innings lead by England.
Heading into the final day, India trails by 137 runs with eight wickets in hand, setting the stage for a gripping finish in Manchester.
Earlier, England resumed their innings with three wickets remaining and a solid lead of over 200 runs. Captain Ben Stokes dazzled the crowd at Old Trafford with a majestic knock, notching up his 14th Test century. His crucial 95-run partnership for the ninth wicket with Brydon Carse added to India’s woes, extending the lead significantly.
Stokes eventually fell for a commanding 141 off 198 balls, an innings laced with 11 boundaries and three sixes. Ravindra Jadeja provided the much-needed breakthrough, dismissing the skipper with a well-taken catch by Sai Sudharsan at long on. Jadeja ended as India’s most effective bowler, returning figures of 4 for 143 from 37.1 overs.
With a mountain to climb, India was rocked early in their second innings. Chris Woakes struck twice in his opening over, removing openers Yashasvi Jaiswal and Sai Sudharsan in quick succession. However, KL Rahul and Shubman Gill absorbed the pressure with remarkable poise.
Gill remained unbeaten on 78 off 167 balls, including 10 fours, becoming the top scorer in the ongoing series and surpassing Virat Kohli in the list of most runs by an Indian captain in a Test series. He now trails only Sunil Gavaskar’s record 732 runs.
Rahul stood firm with 87 not out off 210 balls, anchoring the innings with patience and precision. As the Manchester crowd awaits Day 5, India’s fighting spirit has set up a thrilling end to the fourth Test of the five-match series.