Day 4 of the fourth Check between England and India has been nothing in need of spectacular for the hosts in Manchester. After extending their lead past 300 runs, England had a dream begin as their frontline bowler Chris Woakes produced magic within the very first over of India’s second innings.
Chris Woakes strikes twice in first over as India collapse early on Day 4
The Indian batters walked in beneath immense stress, with a mountain to climb on a floor that had began providing lots for the bowlers. With the pitch exhibiting variable bounce and motion, England’s pacers wasted no time in making an influence.
Woakes set the tone early, eradicating Yashasvi Jaiswal within the very first over. The left-hander, after shifting throughout his stumps, tried a flick however was squared up by the motion away. The ball caught the vanguard and flew in direction of first slip, the place Joe Root juggled it awkwardly earlier than calmly finishing the catch on the second try. The very subsequent ball introduced extra hassle for India. Debutant Sai Sudharsan, uncertain whether or not to play or depart, was shocked by additional bounce. The ball touched the underside fringe of his bat and flew to slide, the place Harry Brook made no mistake. Two wickets had fallen inside 5 deliveries — with India but to get off the mark — handing England a dream begin and tightening their grip on the sport.
Right here’s the video:
TWO IN TWO!
Nicked straight to Harry Brook. WHAT A START! 🤯
🇮🇳 0️⃣-2️⃣ pic.twitter.com/qbokPo7iKj
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) July 26, 2025
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England are within the driving seat at Outdated Trafford
England are firmly within the driver’s seat on this essential Check at Outdated Trafford. After Root’s masterclass with the bat on Day 3, it was skipper Ben Stokes who rose to the event with a record-breaking century, additional widening the hole between the 2 sides. Stokes, alongside Brydon Carse, launched a fierce assault on the Indian bowlers throughout the morning session of Day 4, leaving the guests reeling.
India, in the meantime, regarded largely ineffective with the ball. Jasprit Bumrah, who appeared barely off rhythm, nonetheless managed to choose up two wickets, however lacked his traditional chunk. Ravindra Jadeja was the one bowler who confirmed constant battle, ending with a four-wicket haul that stored some stress on the English decrease order. Now, the onus lies on India’s batters to regular the ship and resist the English cost. With greater than 4 classes left within the match, England are overwhelming favourites from this level onward.
Additionally READ: Followers erupt as Ben Stokes makes historical past with highly effective century vs India on Day 4 of fourth Check in Manchester