Manchester, July 26, 2025 – India are on the brink of an innings defeat in the fourth Test against England at Emirates Old Trafford, Manchester, as they began their second innings in disastrous fashion.
At lunch on Day 4, India were reeling at 1 run for 2 wickets, still trailing by a massive 310 runs after England declared their first innings on a mammoth 669.
England’s dominant batting performance was led by a long-awaited century from captain Ben Stokes, who hammered 141 after a two-year wait for a Test hundred. Despite battling hamstring discomfort, Stokes played a commanding knock that pushed the game out of India’s reach. Joe Root also shone with a majestic 150, surpassing several legendary names on the all-time Test run-scorers list. Openers Ben Duckett and Zak Crawley added quick-fire fifties, contributing to the highest ever Test total recorded at the Manchester venue.
India’s bowling attack struggled to contain England’s batting blitz. Jasprit Bumrah bowled with intensity and was one of the few standouts, while Ravindra Jadeja picked up wickets towards the end. However, defensive field placements, sluggish body language, and questionable use of bowlers like Washington Sundar—who was introduced too late—proved costly. Shardul Thakur also looked underutilized, compounding India’s woes.
Earlier in the day, England added 125 runs in just 22.1 overs before finally declaring. Some questioned Stokes’ decision to delay the declaration, but with such a formidable lead, the extra time seemed more strategic than risky. The hosts gave themselves a short burst before lunch and immediately capitalized, removing both Indian openers cheaply.
Now, with five sessions left—weather and light permitting—India face an almost impossible task to save the Manchester Test. They not only need to bat over 100 overs but must also restore their battered confidence after three punishing days in the field. While a miracle is mathematically possible, even stretching the game to Day 5 would demand immense resolve and discipline.
As things stand, England are firmly in control and look set to clinch the series, leading 2-1. With one Test to go, the momentum is entirely in the hosts’ favor, while India will need nothing short of a historic resistance to turn the tide in Manchester.