Stokes, Root & India’s Revival: A Dramatic Day 4 at Old Trafford

Stokes, Root & India’s Revival: A Dramatic Day 4 at Old Trafford

England once again seized control on Day 4 of the fourth Test at Old Trafford. Captain Ben Stokes delivered a match-defining all‑round effort—scoring a superb 141 and claiming a five-wicket haul—helping England declare at a mammoth 669 and build a huge 311-run lead. Meanwhile, Joe Root scored 150, moving past legends Dravid, Kallis, and Ponting to become second in the all‑time Test run tally.

England’s Domination on Day 4

England resumed at 544/7 with Stokes on 77 and Brydon Carse at the other end. The skipper and tail wagged brilliantly—Carse adding 47 off 54—before England declared at 669 all out, their highest-ever Test total at Old Trafford. India struck back early in their second innings with Chris Woakes uprooting both openers in two balls to reduce them to 0/2.

Stokes’s Historic Milestone

Stokes’s 141 was his first Test century in two years. Combined with a five-wicket haul (5/72), he became the first England captain to record both in a match. This innings also saw him surpass 7,000 Test runs, joining only Sobers and Kallis in achieving 7,000+ runs and 200+ wickets.

Root’s Record Century

Root dazzled in the morning session with a monumental 150, propelling him into second place on cricket’s all‑time Test run-scorers list, ahead of legends like Dravid, Kallis, and Ponting. Notably, he became the first player to reach 1,000 Test runs at Old Trafford.

India’s Response: Gill & Rahul Dig In

> After the early collapse, India turned to a composed partnership: Shubman Gill ended the day on 77* and KL Rahul on 87*, putting on a remarkable 174 for the third wicket. India closed at 174/2, trailing by 137 runs, showing great resilience as the Test remained finely poised.

Series Scenario & Outlook

With England leading the five-match series 2–1, a win in this Test at home would secure the series. However, India’s fightback keeps hopes alive, and with rain forecast for Day 5, a draw remains a distinct possibility. England’s bowling looks less penetrative without Stokes, who didn’t bowl on Day 4 possibly due to fitness checks.

Summary Table

Aspect	Detail
England 1st Innings	669 declared
India 2nd Innings	174/2 (Gill 77*, Rahul 87*)
Lead	137 runs
Stokes	141 + 5/72
Root	150, surpasses Dravid, Kallis & Ponting
Match Outlook	England need wickets; rain may force draw

FAQs

What extraordinary feat did Ben Stokes achieve?

Stokes became the first England captain to score a Test century and take a five‑wicket haul in the same match, also surpassing 7,000 Test runs.

What was England’s total and how big was their lead?

England declared on 669—their highest-ever Test innings at Old Trafford—and led India by 311 runs after the first innings.

How did India respond on Day 4?

After losing two quick wickets, India fought back with a massive 174‑run stand between Gill (77*) and Rahul (87*), ending the day 137 runs behind.

---

Disclaimer: This article is based on information compiled from online sources. Please verify independently before making any decisions based on it.

Thank you for visiting Cricket In Focus! Explore more in our Test, India, and Latest Cricket Updates sections.