Can India Save the 4th Test Match? A Complete Analysis of Day 4 in Manchester (Old Trafford)

Can India Save the 4th Test Match? A Complete Analysis of Day 4 in Manchester (Old Trafford)

As Day 4 concluded at Old Trafford, India finds themselves in a much better position than what seemed possible at lunch, but saving the 4th Test match remains a significant challenge. While England is still firmly in the driver's seat, the remarkable fightback from Shubman Gill and KL Rahul has certainly injected a glimmer of hope into the Indian camp.

Here's a complete analysis of Day 4:

England's Dominance Continues (First Session)

Day 4 began with England looking to pile on more runs and extend their lead. Captain Ben Stokes, who had already played a heroic innings, reached his 14th Test century (141 runs), his first in over two years, solidifying England's formidable total. Jasprit Bumrah, unfortunately, had a day to forget, conceding over 100 runs for the first time in his Test career. England eventually declared their innings at a mammoth 669, securing a massive 311-run first-innings lead. Ravindra Jadeja was the pick of the Indian bowlers, taking four wickets.

India's Horrendous Start (Early Second Innings)

India's second innings started in the worst possible way. In the very first over, Chris Woakes dismissed both Yashasvi Jaiswal and B. Sai Sudharsan for golden ducks, leaving India reeling at 0 for 2. This collapse seemed to indicate an inevitable and swift English victory, pushing India to the brink of an innings defeat.

The Unbroken Partnership: Gill and Rahul's Resilience

However, what followed was a display of immense character and resilience from Indian captain Shubman Gill (78 off 167 balls)* and KL Rahul (87 off 210 balls)*. The duo came together when all seemed lost and batted through the remainder of Day 4, putting on an unbroken 174-run partnership for the third wicket.

Key aspects of their partnership:

• Defiance and Patience: Both batters showed incredible patience and defensive solidity, thwarting the English bowlers who tried various tactics, including short-ball attacks.

• Counter-attacking when possible: While their primary aim was to bat time, they also capitalized on loose deliveries, finding boundaries to keep the scoreboard moving.

• Easing Pitch and Stokes' Absence: The pitch at Old Trafford seemed to ease out as the day progressed, becoming more conducive to batting. Crucially, Ben Stokes, who had bowled exceptionally in the first innings (5 wickets), did not bowl in India's second innings due to a suspected hamstring issue. This significantly reduced England's bowling threat, especially with the old ball.

• Milestones: KL Rahul became the first Indian opener in 46 years to score over 500 runs in an away Test series. Shubman Gill also surpassed Virat Kohli's record for the most runs by an Indian captain in a Test series.

At stumps on Day 4, India reached 174 for 2, still trailing England by 137 runs.

Can India Save the Match on Day 5?

The situation for India is still precarious but not hopeless. Here's a look at the factors for Day 5:

Factors in India's favour:

• Gill and Rahul's Form: They are well-set and batting with confidence. If they can continue their partnership deep into Day 5, it will put immense pressure on England.

• Pitch Conditions: The pitch seems to have settled down, offering less assistance to the bowlers.

• Ben Stokes' Injury: Stokes not bowling is a huge blow for England, as he is their primary wicket-taking option.

• Weather Forecast: While Day 4 had some early rain concerns, the forecast for Day 5 will be crucial. Any significant rain delays could play into India's hands, reducing the overs available for England to take wickets.

• Batting Depth: Rishabh Pant, despite a fractured toe, is expected to bat. With Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, and Shardul Thakur still to come, India has some batting depth.

Challenges for India:

• Remaining Deficit: India still needs to bat for a substantial period to clear the 137-run deficit and then build a lead that can make a draw a strong possibility.

• New Ball Threat: England will likely take the new ball as soon as it's available on Day 5, which could pose a fresh challenge for the Indian batsmen.

• England's Pace Attack: Even without Stokes, England's pacers (Woakes, Archer, Carse) can be dangerous if they find their rhythm.

• Spinners on Day 5 Pitch: While the pitch is easier, the wear and tear over five days might bring the spinners more into play, especially Liam Dawson and Joe Root.

• Mental Aspect: India needs to maintain their composure and avoid any collapses under pressure.

Conclusion:

While England remains the strong favorite to win this Test and clinch the series, India's remarkable fightback on Day 4, led by Gill and Rahul, has given them a fighting chance to save the match. It will require an extraordinary batting effort on Day 5, potentially batting out all three sessions. The first hour of play on Day 5 will be critical, as will the ability of Gill and Rahul to convert their half-centuries into big hundreds. If they can continue their defiance, India might just pull off an improbable draw.