• Home
  • Match Hub
  • Kl Gill Resistance Follows Stokes Show As Resilient India Fight Back On Day 4 At Old Trafford

KL-Gill Resistance Follows Stokes Show As Resilient India Fight Back On Day 4 At Old Trafford

Kaushik Kashyap

Shubman Gill and KL Rahul. [Source : AP Photos]Shubman Gill and KL Rahul. [Source : AP Photos]

Day 4 at Old Trafford saw Ben Stokes hammer a brilliant century, extending England’s lead to 311. India’s reply began disastrously with two early wickets, but KL Rahul and Shubman Gill staged a gritty recovery, guiding India to 174/2 by stumps, trailing by 137 after two resilient, wicketless sessions.

Here, we take a look at the highlights of Day 4 as the battle between England and India intensified in this crucial Test match.

Stokes Century Sets Up Big Lead Before India’s Top Order Tragedy

England resumed Day 4 on 544/6 with a commanding 186-run lead and piled on further misery for India by stretching their total to a colossal 669 before being bowled out in the first session. Skipper Ben Stokes led the charge with a sensational century, punishing the Indian attack in overcast conditions.

Despite the helpful weather, Indian bowlers failed to wrap things up quickly as Stokes, along with the tail, added 125 crucial runs to push England’s lead to a daunting 311. The horror morning did not end there for India as Yashasvi Jaiswal and Sai Sudharsan fell in the very first over, reducing India to 1/2 by lunch.

India Recover Strongly As Rahul, Gill Lead India’s Gritty Fightback 

After losing two early to Chris Woakes before lunch, KL Rahul and Shubman Gill led a gritty fightback as the pair added 85 runs without losing any wicket in a steady second session. The Indian skipper overcame a shaky start to reach his fifty featuring some classy drives, while, Rahul remained composed and unshaken against England’s relentless attack.

Post Tea, England applied pressure with tight lines, led by Liam Dawson’s controlled spell. However, Rahul and Gill stood firm, showing great patience and composure. Rahul brought up a solid fifty, and with England missing Stokes' bowling due to cramps, the visitors found it hard to break the stand.

As the session progressed, Gill and Rahul continued to bat with determination, taking their partnership past 150. They finished the day with 174 for 2 on the board, marking two sessions without a wicket. Their effort not only steadied India but also set up a realistic chance to save the Test on Day 5.