IND vs ENG Live Score, 4th Test Day 4: India Tremble Early, Lose Two Wickets in First Over Following England’s 311-Run Lead
Old Trafford, Manchester – Joe Root delivered a batting masterclass with a majestic 150, propelling England to a commanding 186-run lead over India at the end of Day 3 in the fourth Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy. Skipper Ben Stokes also stood tall, battling through cramps to remain unbeaten on 77, as the hosts amassed 544/7 by stumps on Friday.
Resuming at 225/2, England piled on 319 runs across the day, losing just five wickets. Root was the linchpin of England’s innings, bringing up his 38th Test century with precision and flair. His latest feat saw him surpass Jacques Kallis, Rahul Dravid, and Ricky Ponting to become the second-highest run-scorer in Test history.
A 144-run stand with Ollie Pope (71) laid the foundation for England’s dominance. Once Pope fell to Washington Sundar, Root teamed up with Stokes for another impactful partnership. Stokes, with his best batting display of the series, played positively despite cramp concerns, and found a reliable partner in Liam Dawson (21* off 48), who ensured England finished strongly.
India’s bowling unit struggled throughout the day, lacking consistency in both line and length. The absence of rhythm was compounded by fitness issues—Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj both limped off at different points with ankle niggles. Although Bumrah returned later, the damage had been done. This marked the first time since 2021 that India conceded over 500 runs in a Test innings.
Morning Session:
England began cautiously, with Root elegantly flicking Bumrah to the boundary. Pope joined in, striking consecutive fours off Siraj. A misfield and poor backing up by India handed Root a life on 22, and the pair continued to score freely.
Pope reached his 16th Test fifty, while Root advanced past Dravid and Kallis in the all-time run-scorer charts. By the time lunch approached, Root had completed his 104th Test score of 50 or more.
Afternoon Session:
Washington Sundar struck early after lunch, removing Pope with a well-flighted delivery that was edged to KL Rahul at slip. He followed it up by dismissing Harry Brook for 3, thanks to sharp glovework from Dhruv Jurel.
Root and Stokes then took control. Root, patient in the 90s, brought up his second century of the series with a flick to fine leg off debutant Anshul Kamboj. Cheers erupted around Old Trafford as Root clipped Kamboj past point a few overs later, overtaking Ponting to become the second-highest scorer in Test history just before tea.
Evening Session:
Despite Bumrah’s return, the Indian pace spearhead looked far from his best. Root kept the scoreboard moving with effortless strokeplay, while Stokes added flair with a mix of traditional and unorthodox shots—including a reverse sweep for four off Jadeja.
Stokes reached his 36th Test half-century and continued attacking before retiring hurt on 66 due to cramp in the 116th over. The ECB confirmed it was not a serious injury.
Root eventually fell for 150, stumped off a sharp-turning delivery from Jadeja—his 16th Test score of 150 or more. Bumrah struck next, removing debutant Jamie Smith with a delivery that found the outside edge. Jurel’s sharp low catch brought up Bumrah’s 50th Test wicket on English soil.
Siraj then bowled Chris Woakes with a ball that stayed low, but Stokes returned to join Dawson in seeing England safely through to stumps without further loss.
Score Summary at Stumps, Day 3:
England 544/7 (Joe Root 150, Ben Stokes 77, Ollie Pope 71; Washington Sundar 2/84, Jadeja 2/110)*
India trail by 186 runs
Day 4 promises more challenges for India, who must mount a resilient effort to stay afloat in this high-stakes Test.
