Cricholic
🏏 Heroics from Stokes Answered by Rahul-Gill’s Grit at Old Trafford
Heroics defined Day 4 at Old Trafford, as the Test match swung wildly before settling into a tense standoff. England, riding on Ben Stokes’ scintillating 141, extended their total to a mammoth 669. However, India weren’t willing to back down. Despite losing two early wickets, KL Rahul and Shubman Gill stitched a phenomenal 174-run unbeaten partnership, guiding India to 174/2 by stumps.
While the hosts still lead by 137 runs, India’s fighting response has added another twist to this already thrilling encounter.
💥 Heroics of Stokes Powers England to 669
England’s innings flourished due to the heroics of Stokes, who batted aggressively yet responsibly. Not only did he build on Root’s platform, but he also punished anything loose. His 141 off 188 balls, laced with boundaries and clever strike rotation, proved pivotal.
Additionally, Stokes crossed major career milestones. With over 7000 runs and 200 wickets, he joined an elite group of all-rounders. Support from Matty Carse (47) added quick lower-order runs, frustrating Indian bowlers further.
Although Jadeja picked four wickets and Bumrah wrapped up the tail, England’s massive lead put them firmly in command — at least for a while.
⚡ Heroics of Woakes Rocks India Early
When India came out to bat, Chris Woakes delivered a stunning blow. His opening spell was devastating:
- He removed Jaiswal with a perfect outswinger.
- He then sent Sai Sudharsan back on the very next delivery.
- With India at 0/2, panic began to spread.
Even though Gill survived the hat-trick ball, India looked rattled. Going into lunch without a run on the board, the pressure was mounting.
🧠 Heroics of Rahul-Gill Show Resilience
Post-lunch, India began to regroup. Both Rahul and Gill showed maturity under fire. In contrast to their start, this partnership was calm and composed:
- Gill took the lead initially, rotating strike and finding gaps.
- Meanwhile, Rahul focused on stability and weathering the storm.
- Their running between the wickets was sharp, and they countered England’s plans with ease.
As a result, India reached 86/2 at Tea, having successfully blunted the English attack.
⏳ Heroics Continue as England Tire
In the final session, India’s approach remained disciplined. While England rotated bowlers, the Indian pair never looked uncomfortable:
- Rahul reached his half-century with fluent shots.
- Gill, too, capitalized on loose deliveries and remained solid in defense.
- With Stokes unable to bowl due to a hamstring concern, England’s attack looked limited.
Notably, the Indian pair didn’t just survive — they quietly took control of the game’s tempo.
📊 Brief Scores
England: 669 (Ben Stokes 141, Root 150; Jadeja 4/143)
India: 358 & 174/2 (KL Rahul 87*, Shubman Gill 78*; Woakes 2/48)
➡ India trail by 137 runs
