Rahul and Gill Frustrate England After Stokes Century in Fourth Test

India’s captain Shubman Gill and senior batter KL Rahul led a spirited resistance on the fourth day of the fourth Test at Old Trafford, frustrating England’s hopes of sealing the series, following Ben Stokes’ stirring century earlier in the day.

Day 4 Summary

Performers (Day 4)

England’s Early Domination

The day began with India reeling at 0-2, after Chris Woakes removed Yashasvi Jaiswal and Sai Sudharsan with successive deliveries in the opening over — both caught in the slips for ducks. This came in response to England’s colossal first-innings total of 669, powered by a sublime 141 from Ben Stokes and Joe Root’s monumental 150 on Day 3.

India’s Fightback: Gill & Rahul Stand Tall

Despite the early collapse, Gill and Rahul mounted a stubborn resistance:

• Gill, under pressure after three lean innings, displayed class and control.
• Rahul, known for his defensive technique, offered stability, occupying the crease for nearly five hours.

Their unbeaten 174-run stand offered India hope of salvaging a draw, with a deficit of 137 runs still to be erased.

Close Calls and Missed Chances

• Gill survived a tight LBW appeal from Jofra Archer just after lunch. A review proved inconclusive.
• He was given another life on 46, when Liam Dawson dropped a sharp chance at point.
• Archer appeared exasperated after another appeal was turned down, falling to his haunches in disbelief.

England’s Bowling Concerns

England assistant coach Marcus Trescothick noted that Stokes may not bowl again in the match due to soreness and cramp, a worrying sign given his heavy bowling workload throughout the series.

Stokes’ Emotional Hundred

Earlier, Ben Stokes reached his first Test century in over two years, taking 164 balls to complete the feat:

• He marked the moment with a gesture in memory of his late father Ged Stokes.
• His 14th century in 115 Tests also saw him become only the fourth England player to take 5 wickets and score 100 runs in the same Test — joining Tony Greig, Ian Botham, and Gus Atkinson.

After a brief flourish that included a six off Ravindra Jadeja, Stokes perished attempting another big shot — caught out with England 300 runs ahead.

Looking Ahead

England, already 2-1 up in the five-match series, still hold the upper hand. However, India’s spirited batting display has kept their hopes alive heading into the final day.

Series Scoreline (Before Day 5)

The match now hinges on whether India can bat through the final day, or England’s bowlers can rediscover their firepower to claim an innings win.