The fourth Test of the Anderson–Tendulkar Trophy at Old Trafford, Manchester (July 23–27), has unfolded like a classic. With England holding a 2–1 lead in the five-match series, the stakes were sky-high. India needed nothing less than a fightback, and England, chasing a series win at home, weren’t backing down. What we’ve seen so far is Test cricket at its best—gritty, tense, and filled with twists.
As we head into Day 5, the match hangs in the balance. KL Rahul and Shubman Gill have stood tall against a hostile bowling attack, offering India a fighting chance in what once looked like a lost cause.
Day 1: Steady Start and an Untimely Blow
Under overcast skies, Ben Stokes once again won the toss (that’s four in a row now) and put India in on what seemed like a bowler-friendly pitch. The surface had those typical Old Trafford patches—some dry cracks, a hint of grass, and just enough moisture early on.
India’s top order looked composed. Jaiswal and Rahul put on 94 for the opening stand, showing a mix of flair and restraint. Sai Sudharsan, in his comeback, was calm under pressure and notched up a solid half-century. But then came a blow India didn’t need—literally.
Rishabh Pant, looking sharp, attempted a reverse sweep and injured his right foot. He had to be taken off, grimacing in pain. His absence cast a shadow on what was otherwise a decent day. By stumps, India were 264/4—not a bad effort, all things considered.
Day 2: Pant’s Courage and England’s Patience
Day 2 was all about grit. Pant, showing what makes him special, hobbled out to bat again. Despite the swelling and discomfort, he dug in and brought up his fifty—his 1,000th Test run in England, no less. That’s rare air for a visiting wicketkeeper.
India eventually folded for 358, thanks to valuable lower-order contributions from Shardul Thakur and Washington Sundar. It wasn’t a huge total, but on a pitch that was flattening out, it felt like something to bowl at.
England’s reply was typically aggressive. Duckett and Crawley gave them a brisk start, and Joe Root just kept doing Root things—calm, classy, clinical. By the close, England were 225/2, and India’s bowlers looked tired already.
Day 3: Joe Root’s Masterclass and India’s Fatigue
This day belonged to England—no debate there.
Joe Root reached 150 in a performance that might go down as one of his finest. In doing so, he overtook none other than Don Bradman to become the second-highest run-scorer in Test cricket. That’s elite company. Ollie Pope and Ben Stokes joined the party, with the latter smashing a quick 77* despite retiring briefly with cramps.
By stumps, England were at 544/7. You could almost feel the shoulders drop in the Indian camp. Nearly 130 overs on the field, a worn-out ball, and little assistance from the pitch—India were cooked. Ravindra Jadeja toiled hard for his two wickets, but the hosts were in control.
Day 4: The Comeback Nobody Expected
England extended their lead to 311, finishing with a whopping 669—one of their highest-ever Test totals. Stokes notched up a magnificent 141, proving once again why he’s a match-winner in any conditions.
Then came the collapse. India started their second innings with a horror first over—0/2. Woakes removed Jaiswal and Sudharsan in back-to-back deliveries. Some of us thought it would be over inside three days.
But KL Rahul and Shubman Gill had other ideas.
Over the next two sessions, they put together one of the finest rear-guard efforts we’ve seen from an Indian pair in England. Rahul, calm and gritty as ever, ended the day on 87* (off 210 balls). Gill, more measured than flashy, was unbeaten on 78*—and in doing so, surpassed Virat Kohli’s 655 runs from the 2016 England series.
They batted through the entire day—unbroken. That hasn’t happened once in this series. And they did it while England missed Ben Stokes’ bowling due to injury, which did make a big difference in pressure-building.
Looking Ahead to Day 5: Weather or Willpower?
Now, here’s where things get interesting.
England still need 8 wickets, and India trail by 137. The second new ball will be due soon, and that could turn things sharply in England’s favor—especially if conditions are cloudy again.
But there’s a twist. The forecast shows rain on the way. Some models predict morning showers, which could cut into England’s time. India will be hoping for that weather window and more resistance from the middle order.
Pant, who might not bat at all, remains a question mark. And if Gill or Rahul fall early, the pressure on the inexperienced lower-middle order will be enormous.
Standout Performers:
- Ben Stokes: A hundred and a five-for in one match. He’s now part of the elite “7,000 runs, 200 wickets” club—alongside legends like Sobers and Kallis.
- Joe Root: His 150 was pure class. To pass Bradman in Test runs says everything you need to know.
- Gill & Rahul: Their unbeaten 174-run partnership was as good as any rear-guard stand in recent years. No flash—just focus.
Final Thoughts
This has been a classic Test match—tension, drama, injuries, records, and the unrelenting grind of red-ball cricket. Day 5 will be about character more than skill. If India survive, it’ll be one of their great escapes. If England break through early, it’s series sealed.
Either way, we’ve already been gifted a spectacle. And this, right here, is why we love Test cricket.