England ended Day 3 of the fourth Test in supreme control, scoring 544/7, building a commanding 186-run lead over India. Joe Root once again showcased his cricketing mastery, reaching a monumental 150, while Ben Stokes battled through cramps to contribute an impressive all-round performance.
Match Overview
- Final Score at Stumps: England 544/7, lead by 186 runs
- Joe Root scored a monumental 150, raising his tally to 38 Test centuries, elevating him to second on the all-time Test run‑scorers list, surpassing the likes of Rahul Dravid, Jacques Kallis, and Ricky Ponting. He now trails only Sachin Tendulkar (15,921 runs).
- Root also became the first cricketer in Old Trafford’s 168-year history to score 1,000 Test runs at the venue.
Key Performances & Turning Points
- Zak Crawley (84) and Ben Duckett (94) laid the foundation with a blistering 166-run opening stand in just 32 overs, setting the tone for England’s dominance.
- Ollie Pope added solidity with a valuable 71, anchoring the middle order as India searched for breakthroughs.
- Ben Stokes returned to bat despite leg cramps, ending unbeaten on 77 off 134 balls, and before that took 5/72, his first five-wicket haul in Test cricket since 2017, turning the momentum after India’s first-innings score of 358.
India’s Struggles
India’s bowling lacked penetration throughout, with Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj both visibly carrying injuries and failing to make early breakthroughs. Siraj ended with the day’s only wicket for his 26 overs, conceding 113 runs.
Spinners Washington Sundar and Ravindra Jadeja offered India some respite post-lunch, but the damage was already done as England reached a commanding position.
Historical Context & Records
- Root eclipsed greats Rahul Dravid and Jacques Kallis to claim second place all-time in Test runs, now only behind Tendulkar.
- He also became the first player to accumulate 1,000 Test runs at Old Trafford, a feat in over 160 years at the venue.
Implications & What Comes Next
- With England leading the series 2‑1, a win in this Test would hand them the inaugural Anderson‑Tendulkar Trophy.
- India now faces an uphill battle. Their bowling attack showed signs of fatigue and mismanagement, while batting depth is under scrutiny.
- Their wicketkeeping unit may get reshuffled—Tamil Nadu’s N. Jagadeesan has been drafted into the squad for the fifth Test after injuries ruled out Rishabh Pant and Ishan Kishan.
Summary
Day 3 at Old Trafford was England’s day to shine. Root’s majestic 150 and Stokes’ all-round heroics laid the groundwork for dominance, while India’s bowling woes and fielding inconsistencies undermined any resistance. As England closes in on victory, India must regroup quickly to keep the series alive heading into Day 4.`78
Photo Source:AP Photos
