England surged ahead of India in the fourth Test at Old Trafford, Manchester, after India posted 358 all out in their first innings. The opening stand between KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal offered India a solid platform—Rahul fell for 46, while Jaiswal departed shortly after for 58, leaving the score at 120/2, both dismissed by England’s bowlers.
It was Sai Sudharsan who showed remarkable temperament, battling through 151 balls to score 61, anchoring the middle order as India lost wickets gradually. England captain Ben Stokes spun the momentum their way, grabbing five wickets, and Jofra Archer contributed with 3 wickets, dismantling the Indian batting lineup and restricting India to a manageable total.
In England’s first-innings reply, the two openers set the tone brilliantly. Zak Crawley reached 84, and Ben Duckett scored 94, combining for a massive 166-run opening partnership before both fell short of centuries. Ollie Pope then added a useful 71, further consolidating England’s position. Eventually Joe Root reached his 38th Test century, posting a commanding 150, and was joined by captain Ben Stokes, who remained unbeaten on 77, steering England to 544/7, and building a commanding 186-run lead over India
