It started as a collapse waiting to happen. England had just stacked up a colossal 669, a lead of 311 runs, and within six balls, Chris Woakes had sent India’s young guns back. Yashasvi Jaiswal got opened up before Sai Sudharsan left without scoring. At 0/2, with a day and a half to play and the pitch still true, the fourth Test seemed destined to hand England the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy. But Shubman Gill and KL Rahul had other ideas.
Now, as India head into Day 5 at 178/2, still trailing by 137, they are not just fighting to save a Test but trying to keep the series alive as well. The visitors are trailing 1-2 in the five-match series.
Shubman Gill-KL Rahul masterclass
Despite Test cricket being the toughest format, it does give you time to make a comeback. Gill and Rahul did exactly that. They stitched together a record-breaking stand, the first ever third-wicket partnership of 150+ runs after coming together at 0. Rahul’s knock was a masterclass as he brought calmness to the middle. Meanwhile, Gill showed the kind of assuredness expected from a man who has already scored (almost) 700 runs this series. Their stand has changed the tone of the Test.
Also, the weather could be in India’s favour as well. India cannot win but just need Day 5 to go past. And rain could help Gill’s men to manage a great escape. Manchester’s reputation for unpredictable weather isn’t overstated this time. While Day 4 passed largely unscathed, the Day 5 forecast paints a mixed picture. According to the UK Met Office and multiple reports, early light rain and overcast skies dominate the morning session, especially around session start times, before sunnier intervals arrive by late morning to afternoon.
What India need to do on Day 5
The equation is simple: bat out the day. The surface at Old Trafford is still playing true, but the longer the innings goes on, the more variable bounce could creep in. Also, the trickiest time would be when the second new ball comes at some point in the first session. It is 17 overs away but gladly for India, both the batters will set themselves in by then.
Gill and Rahul will resume with the weight of hope but also the burden of time. They must blunt England’s attack for at least another session and a half. As India’s batting coach mentioned, India will take it hour by hour, session by session. If either falls early, it will expose a slightly fragile middle order. Rishabh Pant is battling an injury, which makes Jadeja, Sundar, and the tail’s ability to occupy the crease even more critical.
India may not win this Test. But a draw would be a win in context. A result here would keep the series at 1-2, setting up a decider at The Oval. It would also ensure crucial World Test Championship (WTC) 2025-27 points aren’t lost. Despite enduring injury struggles, poor selection decisions, and lacklustre bowling performance, it would be a win for India not to lose the Manchester Test.
