Shubman Gill's Resilient Fifty Keeps India in the Game Against England

In a gripping fourth Test against England, Shubman Gill's determined fifty showcased India's resilience despite a rocky start. After losing two early wickets, Gill, alongside KL Rahul, fought back during a wicketless afternoon session. England's formidable total of 669 put India in a challenging position, but Gill's impressive strokes and a slice of luck kept hopes alive. As the match unfolds, the battle intensifies, with key performances from both sides. Read on for a detailed account of this thrilling encounter.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jul 26, 2025, 20:37 IST

Day Four Highlights from Manchester Test

Manchester: Shubman Gill displayed remarkable composure to score a determined fifty, showcasing India's resilience during a wicketless afternoon session on the fourth day of the fourth Test against England on Saturday.

The English bowlers, particularly Jofra Archer, tested Gill with some challenging inswingers aimed at his pads, but the Indian captain navigated these tricky moments before executing some exquisite shots.

Gill, who was batting at 52 off 80 balls, found solid support from the reliable KL Rahul, who contributed 30 runs off 93 balls, proving to be a cornerstone of India's batting lineup throughout this series.

After losing their first two wickets for just one run at lunch, India faced a daunting challenge to salvage the match. By tea, they had reached 86 for two, still trailing England by 225 runs with eight wickets remaining.

Gill was fortunate when he was dropped by Liam Dawson off Brydon Carse at backward point while on 46.

He played a series of impressive straight and cover drives on his way to a gritty half-century. In the 17th over, he struck back-to-back boundaries off Archer, starting with a crisp cover drive followed by an uppercut. He also hit consecutive boundaries off Carse, including a majestic on-drive.

India's second innings began disastrously in the morning session after Ben Stokes scored a flamboyant century, following his five-wicket haul, which allowed England to establish a commanding 311-run lead.

With England posting a colossal total of 669 in the morning session, India took to the field about 20 minutes before lunch.

The start was chaotic as Yashasvi Jaiswal and Sai Sudharsan fell in consecutive deliveries during the first over of India's innings. Jaiswal attempted to flick a delivery from Chris Woakes but was caught by Joe Root at first slip after a fumble. Sudharsan, on the next ball, was late to leave a delivery and ended up giving a simple catch to Harry Brook at second slip.

Throughout this brief period, England's fast bowlers appeared to extract significantly more from the pitch than their Indian counterparts.

Resuming the day at 544 for seven, England effectively batted India out of contention. Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj bowled with intensity, but it wasn't enough to prevent England from achieving the highest total at Old Trafford.

Bumrah concluded with figures of 33-5-112-2, marking the first time he conceded over 100 runs in what has been an outstanding Test career.

Stokes (141 off 198) began the day by stepping out to Siraj and sending the ball through the cover region before executing an expansive drive off the Indian bowler.

He achieved a rare double of a century and a five-wicket haul in the same match with a tickle down the leg side off Siraj that went for four. This century, his first in two years, held significant meaning for him.

When Stokes made room to hit Washington Sundar for six down the ground, he became only the third cricketer to reach 7000 runs and 200 wickets, joining the ranks of Jacques Kallis and Gary Sobers.