England Eyes Series Victory as Stokes and Pant Face Off

The fourth Test between England and India entered a crucial phase on Sunday, July 15, 2023, with England holding a commanding lead of 310 runs after India struggled in their second innings. At 12:50 pm, India found themselves in dire straits at 0-2, with Chris Woakes claiming two wickets in just two deliveries. Despite the challenging conditions, the match continues to capture attention, particularly due to the roles of England’s captain, Ben Stokes, and India’s Rishabh Pant.

After a grueling first innings where England amassed a record-breaking 669 runs at Old Trafford, the Indian players faced exhaustion after spending over 157 overs in the field. Stokes delivered a remarkable performance, achieving his first Test century since 2023 and becoming only the fourth England player to score a century and take five wickets in the same match. However, concerns arose regarding his fitness as he might be carrying a hamstring issue, casting doubt on his ability to contribute with the ball on the final day.

As the day began, India’s Shubman Gill and KL Rahul provided a glimmer of hope for their team, stitching together an unbroken partnership of 174 runs for the third wicket. This reduced England’s lead to 137 runs, but the pressure remains on India to save the match. Stokes, absent from bowling in India’s second innings, has completed 129 overs in the series thus far. England’s assistant coach, Marcus Trescothick, expressed hope that Stokes would be fit for the final day, adding, “We’re hoping another night’s rest and physio work overnight that he’ll be back.”

Former India coach Ravi Shastri offered an optimistic assessment, suggesting that Stokes was likely managing his energy for a critical moment. He stated, “I think Stokes was preserving himself. There will be one burst [on Sunday] when needed.” The belief in Stokes’ resilience is echoed by former England captain Michael Vaughan, who referred to him as a “superhuman” at times.

On the Indian side, Pant’s determination has been a focal point. After sustaining an injury while batting, he returned to the field, showcasing remarkable courage by adding 17 runs to his overnight score. Should India narrow the gap further, the possibility of Pant returning to bat increases, which would significantly impact England’s chase for victory. Nasser Hussain noted, “At 0-2, there was probably little chance of Pant batting, but if India get close and ahead then he will be hobbling down the steps.”

Both Gill and Rahul have displayed remarkable skill, amassing 697 and 508 runs in the series, respectively. Their ability to counter England’s attack without resorting to a defensive strategy has been crucial. Shastri highlighted their effective shot selection, emphasizing the need for fluency in their batting approach.

As the day progresses, the weather in Manchester may also play a role, with potential rain forecasted for the morning. Historical context suggests that Lancashire’s home matches this season have predominantly ended in draws, which could influence the outcome of this Test. Shastri remarked on the pitch conditions, stating, “It’s a new-ball pitch. Once the ball gets older, things don’t happen that quickly.”

Despite the challenges ahead, India remains determined to fight for their wickets. Hussain cautioned, “You are playing against India, who are still in this series and won’t roll over.” With Stokes potentially sidelined, England must remain vigilant in their pursuit of the series-clinching win.

Fans can watch the final day’s action live on Sky Sports Cricket and Sky Sports Main Event, starting at 10:15 am, with the first ball scheduled for 11:00 am. The outcome remains uncertain, but the stage is set for a gripping conclusion to this Test series.