Introduction
The fourth Test match between the India national cricket team and the England cricket team in the 2025 series at Old Trafford, Manchester, has delivered a rollercoaster of performances and dramatic moments. After India won the toss and chose to bat first, they managed 358 runs in their first innings, thanks to a courageous half-century from Rishabh Pant, who battled through injury. England’s response was emphatic, with openers Ben Duckett and Zak Crawley smashing a rapid 166-run stand, putting the hosts in complete control by the end of Day 2.
On Day 3, Joe Root continued his dominance, scoring his 38th Test century and becoming the second-highest run-scorer in Test history. Ben Stokes added a five-wicket haul and a valuable fifty before retiring hurt due to cramp, guiding England to a commanding 534/7 by stumps. With a massive first-innings lead, England are poised to push for victory, while India face an uphill battle.
Full Match Scorecard & Breakdown
India – First Innings
- Total: 358 all out in 114.1 overs
- Top Performers:
- Rishabh Pant: 54 (batted despite injury)
- Washington Sundar: 27
- Shardul Thakur: 41
- England Bowling Highlights:
- Ben Stokes: 5/72 (first five-wicket haul in Tests since 2017)
- Jofra Archer: 3 wickets
India’s innings was a mix of resilience and missed opportunities. Pant’s brave knock was the standout, but regular wickets, combined with disciplined bowling from Stokes, restricted India to a below-par total on a batting-friendly pitch.
England – First Innings
- At Stumps Day 2: 225/2 (trailing by 133 runs)
- Ben Duckett: 94
- Zak Crawley: 84
- By Stumps Day 3: 534/7, leading by 176 runs
- Joe Root: 150+ (38th Test century, second-highest run-scorer in history)
- Ben Stokes: 66 (retired hurt due to cramp)
- Ollie Pope and Chris Woakes: valuable contributions
England’s batting dominance was built on aggressive stroke play by Duckett and Crawley, a historic knock by Root, and a gritty innings from Stokes. India’s bowling lacked bite, with key pacers like Bumrah and Siraj unable to maintain pressure or breakthrough partnerships.
Day-By-Day Summary
Day 1: Rain disruptions kept the action limited. India’s batting struggled early, with Rishabh Pant retiring hurt after being struck but returning later to fight on.
Day 2: India wrapped up for 358, with Pant and the tailenders adding crucial runs. England’s openers attacked India’s pace attack ruthlessly, racing to 225/2 by stumps.
Day 3: England took full control. Joe Root’s century and Stokes’ all-round performance powered them to 534/7. India’s bowlers had no answers as England built a commanding 176-run lead heading into Day 4.
Series Implications
This Test is the fourth in a five-match series. England currently lead 2-1, having won the first and third Tests while India claimed the second. With a substantial lead in this match, England are favorites to clinch the series with one Test still to play. For India, only a resilient second-innings batting display can prevent another defeat and keep their series hopes alive.
Key Player Performances
- Joe Root: Scored a commanding century (150+) and became the second-highest run-scorer in Test history.
- Ben Stokes: Claimed 5/72 and added a fighting 66 before cramps forced him to retire hurt.
- Ben Duckett & Zak Crawley: Set the tone with a blistering 166-run opening stand.
- Rishabh Pant: Top-scored for India with 54 despite injury, showcasing grit and courage.
- Indian Bowlers: Struggled for consistency, with Siraj and Bumrah conceding heavily.
Looking Ahead
Heading into Day 4, England hold all the cards. With a 176-run lead and seven wickets down, they could either pile on more runs or declare to pressure India. For India, the key lies in survival and batting long in their second innings. Anything less than a monumental effort could hand England both the Test and the series.
Why ESPNcricinfo Is the Ultimate Cricket Hub for Fans Worldwide
Conclusion
The India vs England 4th Test at Old Trafford has tilted heavily in England’s favor after three days of enthralling cricket. India’s first-innings effort, anchored by Rishabh Pant, was dwarfed by England’s response, which featured a record-setting century by Joe Root, a dominating opening stand, and a match-defining all-round performance from Ben Stokes.
With a hefty lead of 176 runs and the series already leaning their way, England have a golden opportunity to secure victory and seal the series with one match remaining. India, on the other hand, face an uphill task: they must bat with discipline, counter England’s bowling attack, and hope their middle order fires under pressure. The final two days will test India’s resilience and England’s killer instinct, but as it stands, the hosts are in the driver’s seat.
FAQs
1. What is the scorecard for the India vs England 4th Test 2025?
India scored 358 all out in their first innings, while England reached 534/7 by the end of Day 3, holding a 176-run lead.
2. Who scored a century for England in this Test?
Joe Root scored his 38th Test century, surpassing 150 runs and becoming the second-highest run-scorer in Test history.
3. Who were India’s top performers in their first innings?
Rishabh Pant led with 54 runs despite injury, while Washington Sundar and Shardul Thakur chipped in with useful lower-order contributions.
4. How did Ben Stokes perform in the match?
Stokes delivered a standout all-round display with a five-wicket haul (5/72) and a 66-run knock before retiring hurt due to cramp.
5. How does this Test impact the series?
England lead the series 2-1 and, with a strong position in this match, are poised to clinch the series unless India produce a remarkable fightback.