Day 4 of the India vs England 4th Test at Old Trafford was a masterclass in defiance. Under moody Manchester skies, with rain lurking like an uninvited guest, India’s Shubman Gill and KL Rahul scripted a stirring fightback, refusing to let England walk away with the series just yet.
The match hangs in the balance—weather forecasts tease intervention, but the real story is the grit of two batsmen who stood tall when their team needed them most. If you love Test cricket’s slow-burning tension, this was a day that reminded you why the format remains the purest form of the game.
Table of Contents
England’s Commanding Position: A Mountain to Climb for India
Coming into Day 4, England held all the cards. Their mammoth first-innings total of 669, powered by Joe Root’s sublime 150 and Ben Stokes’ brutal 141, dwarfed India’s 358, leaving the visitors trailing by a daunting 311 runs.
India’s bowlers had toiled hard, but England’s batsmen were relentless. Ravindra Jadeja’s four-wicket haul was a rare bright spot in an otherwise grueling effort. The pressure on India was immense—they needed a miracle, or at least a partnership that could shift momentum.
And then, disaster struck early.
Woakes’ Early Blitz: India Stunned at 0/2
Chris Woakes, England’s unsung hero with the ball, delivered a nightmare start for India. In the very first over, he trapped Yashasvi Jaiswal LBW for a duck. Two balls later, Sai Sudharsan nicked one to the slips.
0 for 2.
The scoreboard was a horror show. The crowd erupted. England’s bowlers smelled blood. India’s hopes of salvaging a draw—or even dreaming of an escape—seemed distant.
But then, two men walked out with steely resolve.
Gill and Rahul: The Partnership That Revived India’s Fight
Shubman Gill, India’s young captain, and KL Rahul, the experienced campaigner, faced a near-impossible task. The ball was moving, the fielders were chirping, and England’s attack was relentless. Yet, over the next two sessions, they batted with a mix of caution and controlled aggression that slowly turned the tide.
Shubman Gill: A Captain Leading by Example
Gill, just 25, played with the maturity of a veteran. His back-foot punches were crisp, his drives through cover elegant, and his flicks off the pads effortless. Each boundary was a statement—India would not roll over.
By the time stumps were called, he had reached 78*, overtaking Virat Kohli’s record for most fifty-plus scores by an Indian captain in England. Critics who questioned his temperament in crunch situations were silenced—at least for now.
KL Rahul: The Perfect Foil
At the other end, Rahul was a study in patience. He left judiciously, defended stoutly, and punished the loose deliveries. His unbeaten 87* was a testament to his ability to grind it out in tough conditions.
Together, they stitched an unbroken 174-run stand, taking India to 174/2 at stumps—still trailing by 137, but with belief restored.
The Manchester Weather: Will Rain Decide the Fate of the Test?
No discussion about this Test is complete without addressing the Manchester weather.
Day 5: A Miraculous Escape from Rain
Forecasts had predicted intermittent showers, but the cricketing gods were merciful. Play continued uninterrupted, much to England’s frustration. However, as the day progressed, the pitch started showing signs of uneven bounce, hinting at potential chaos on Day 5.
Day 5 Forecast: Will India Get a Lifeline?
Early predictions suggested heavy rain could save India, but the latest updates are less optimistic:
- 25% chance of morning showers
- Scattered sunshine later
- High humidity aids swing
In short, the match will likely be decided by skill, not weather.
If India can bat through the first session without losing wickets, a draw becomes a real possibility. But if England strikes early, the lower order could crumble under pressure.
England’s Bowling Puzzle: Can They Break Through Again?
Ben Stokes rotated his bowlers smartly—Woakes, Anderson, Dawson, and Root all had their moments. The ball occasionally kept low, and edges flew perilously close to fielders.
India’s middle order—Rishabh Pant (if fit), Ravindra Jadeja, and the tail—must now step up. One big partnership could tilt the game, but England knows that two quick wickets could open the floodgates.
Key Moments That Defined Day 4
- Woakes’ Double Strike (0/2 in 0.3 overs) – A dream start for England.
- Gill & Rahul’s Unbeaten 174-Run Stand – A partnership that shifted momentum.
- Pitch Deterioration – Late movement suggests Day 5 could be treacherous.
- Weather Holding Up – Rain stayed away, setting up a thrilling finale.
What Lies Ahead: Can India Save the Test?
Scenario 1: India Bats Out the Day (Draw)
If Gill and Rahul continue their resistance, and the middle order chips in, India could escape with a draw. A washed-out session would help, but they can’t rely on rain.
Scenario 2: England’s Early Strikes (Series Win)
If Anderson or Woakes break through in the first hour, England could wrap up the innings quickly and secure a series victory.
Scenario 3: A Miraculous Indian Win?
Highly unlikely, but if India somehow sets a 100-run target and Bumrah & Co. produce a magical bowling spell, anything is possible.
Final Verdict: A Test Match for the Ages
This India vs England clash has had everything—record-breaking innings, dramatic collapses, heroic fightbacks, and weather suspense.
For India, Gill and Rahul’s resistance was a reminder of their fighting spirit. For England, the challenge is clear—break this partnership early, or risk letting India off the hook.
As we head into Day 5, one thing is certain: Test cricket, with all its twists and turns, remains the greatest spectacle in sports.
Will rain intervene? Or will skill decide the winner? Old Trafford awaits its verdict.
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My name is Krishanu Das the founder of the Sports Dribble.
I am Accountant by profession but a Sports Blogger by passion.
I am passionate about sharing my all knowledge and experiences of sports, with my readers and every sports enthusiast.
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