England ruled the roost on day 3 of the fourth Test in Manchester. At stumps, they scored 544 runs for seven wickets, leading by 186 runs. The hosts scored over 100 runs in each session with the final session resulting in 111 runs being scored.
England began the day on 225 runs for the loss two wickets and across the day scored another 319 runs for the loss of five wickets. Joe Root scored his 38th Test ton in the process. He eventually went on to score 150 runs off 248 balls
Along with Root, Ollie Pope (71 runs off 128 balls) and Ben Stokes (77* runs off 134 balls) scored crucial runs for the side.
England In The Driver's Seat In Manchester
England scored 101 runs in the first session with Pope and Root going strong. The partnership between them frustrated the Indian bowlers. Eventually, it was Washington Sundar who broke the stand after he was introduced in the 69th over of the England innings.
He broke through in his very next over, dismissing Harry Brook (3 runs off 12 balls). In the final session, India managed to dismiss Jamie Smith (9 runs off 19 balls) and Chris Woakes (4 runs off 17 balls). Jasprit Bumrah toiled hard to get his first wicket that of Smith, as he ended up giving 95 runs in his spell so far in 28 overs. In the fag end of the final session, Mohammed Siraj took the wicket of Woakes. He also toiled hard giving away 113 runs in 26 overs.
After the fall of Woakes, Ben Stokes walked out to bat again after he had walked off with cramps. After the loss of Chris Woakes Stokes and Dawson added 16 runs off 35 balls as England ended the day on 544 runs for seven wickets.
Meanwhile, the highlight of the day was Joe Root, who scored his 38th Test ton overall and his 12th against India. During his innings, he overtook the likes of Rahul Dravid, Jacques Kallis and Ricky Ponting in the list of top run-getters in Test cricket. Root is only behind Tendulkar now among batters with most Test runs.
The other highlight of the day was the introduction of Washington Sundar. Sundar was unused with the ball on day 2 and England had scored well over 300 runs by the time he was brought on in the 69th over of the innings. Shubman Gill, the Indian skipper, was criticised for his decision-making and keeping India’s best bowler of the day away from the action.
Also Read: England vs India 4th Test: "One Batter Short!" - Aakash Chopra Slams India’s Middle Order Strategy
England Looking To Stretch Lead Past 250 On Day 4
England, who lead by 186 runs currently, will look to stretch their lead beyond 250 at least on day 4 with Stokes still at the crease and the likes of Brydon Carse and Jofra Archer to follow. India, on the other hand, will look for early wickets on day 4 after they travelled the distance on day 3.
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