Day 3 of the fourth Test at Old Trafford proved to be an endurance test for India’s bowlers, particularly the pace unit, which endured long spells without reward. From the time Anshul Kamboj dismissed Ben Duckett late on Day 2, it took India another 92 overs to take a wicket. By the time Jasprit Bumrah finally removed Jamie Smith just before stumps on Friday, England had already stamped their authority with a string of 100-plus partnerships that drained the visitors of both energy and momentum.
Jasprit Bumrah toiled hard for 23 overs before he finally broke through but the damage was done by then. Mohammed Siraj, who had also gone wicketless until then, struck soon after by removing Chris Woakes. His celebration mirrored football superstar Cristiano Ronaldo’s signature gesture, a fitting tribute, considering Ronaldo’s history with Manchester United and Old Trafford. Siraj has adopted the move in recent games, turning it into his own style of marking success.
Here is the video of his celebration:
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England, on the other hand, enjoyed a day of near-complete dominance, led by Joe Root’s elegant and ruthless 150. Root not only orchestrated the innings but also crossed a major milestone by surpassing Ricky Ponting to become the second highest run-scorer in Test history. His knock powered England to 544 for 7 at stumps, handing them a commanding 186-run lead.
Ben Stokes remained unbeaten on 77, while Ollie Pope contributed a crucial 71 as England feasted on a visibly depleted Indian attack. Anshul Kamboj, playing his debut Test, lacked the pace to trouble the English batters, while Bumrah and Siraj looked increasingly weary. Bumrah was even forced to leave the field shortly after taking the new ball, returning only after tea.
Among the few positives for India was Washington Sundar who offered some resistance with the ball. In a rare effective spin spell on an otherwise pacer-heavy day, Sundar dismissed Ollie Pope and Harry Brook, using the drift and turn to his advantage. Even after India opted for the second new ball, it was spin that appeared more threatening, underlining the difficulties faced by the pace unit on a flat Manchester track.
As England continued to pile on the pressure, India’s bowling fatigue and injury concerns compounded its problems. With the match slipping away and England controlling the momentum, India finds itself not only trailing in this Test but also facing a daunting climb in the series. Unless there’s a dramatic shift in fortunes, the visitors’ chances of mounting a late comeback look increasingly improbable.
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