Manchester, July 25, 2025:
England ended Day 3 of the fourth Test at Old Trafford in total control, reaching 544/7 in 135 overs, and taking a first-innings lead of 186 runs over India’s total of 358. The day belonged to Joe Root, whose majestic 150 off 248 balls anchored the innings and rewrote record books.
⭐ Joe Root’s record-breaking masterclass
Root once again proved why he is among the modern greats. His 150 helped him leapfrog cricketing legends like Rahul Dravid, Jacques Kallis, and Ricky Ponting, becoming the second-highest run-scorer in Test history. Root’s innings balanced patience and fluent strokeplay, frustrating the Indian bowlers for most of the day.
⚡ Stokes, Duckett, Crawley and Pope step up
England’s dominance was built on multiple pillars:
Openers Ben Duckett (94 off 100) and Zak Crawley (84 off 113) combined for a blistering 166-run partnership, punishing India’s inconsistent lines and making full use of the lack of swing and seam.
Captain Ben Stokes showcased his all-round brilliance: after taking a memorable five-wicket haul in India’s innings (his first in Tests after eight years), he played a gritty knock of 77 off 134 balls*. Despite retiring hurt with cramps late in the day, Stokes returned to continue batting alongside the lower order.
Ollie Pope provided crucial middle-order stability with 71 runs, ensuring England kept building after the openers departed.
At Stumps, Stokes was unbeaten with Liam Dawson (21)*, ensuring England carried momentum into Day 4.
🏏 India’s bowling struggles
The Indian attack failed to maintain pressure:
Ravindra Jadeja picked up 2 wickets for 117 runs.
Mohammed Siraj toiled hard but ended with just 1/105 in 26 overs.
Jasprit Bumrah and the rest of the attack found little assistance from the surface and often bowled too straight, allowing easy runs.
Despite early promise, injuries, fatigue, and a relentless English batting lineup left India on the back foot.
📊 Match situation at end of Day 3
Detail Figure
England score 544/7 in 135 overs
Lead over India 186 runs
Top scorers Joe Root (150), Ben Duckett (94), Crawley (84), Pope (71), Stokes (77) At Stumps Stokes (77) & Dawson (21*)
📌 Day 4 ahead: England eye big win
With two days remaining, England are firmly in the driver’s seat and can push for an innings win or at least a large first-innings lead to force a result. India will need a massive effort from their batters to save the Test and keep the series alive.
