ENG vs IND 2025, 4th Test Day 3 Review: Joe Root's 38th Test ton helps England get into commanding position in Manchester

England pushed India to the ropes on Day 3 of the fourth Test at Old Trafford, Manchester, on the back of Joe Root's magnificent century and half-centuries from Ollie Pope and Ben Stokes. The Three Lions took a first-innings lead of 186 and still have three wickets left in the bank.

Pope and Root started proceedings for England on Day 3. They added a stunning 144-run stand off 228 balls to take England to 341 at the end of 76 overs. However, just before the second new ball was made available to India, Pope was dismissed by Washington Sundar for a 128-ball 71. Four overs later, Ravindra Jadeja sent Harry Brook packing as England trailed India's first innings score by nine runs with six wickets in hand.

Jasprit Bumrah sustained an ankle injury and left the field, and Shubman Gill couldn't use his most potent bowling weapon with the new ball. Root went on to smash his 38th Test century, and Stokes also played an important hand. The partnership between the two senior pros yielded 142 runs before Stokes retired hurt following a bout of cramps.

Root went on to bring up his 150 but departed shortly after getting to the milestone. He scored 150 off 248 balls, hitting 14 boundaries. He surpassed Ricky Ponting to become the second-highest run-getter in Test cricket history after Sachin Tendulkar. From 499/5, the hosts slumped to 528/7 before Stokes returned to join Liam Dawson. The duo negotiated the last few overs of the day as England finished on 544/7 in 135 overs.

Stokes returns to bat after retiring hurt earlier Manchester

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Stokes returns to bat after retiring hurt earlier Manchester

Stokes will resume his innings from 77. Meanwhile, Dawson has looked solid in his unbeaten knock of 21 off 52 balls. For India, Sundar bowled brilliantly, picking up two wickets for 57 runs in 19 overs. Jadeja toiled hard and bagged a couple of wickets. Kamboj blew hot and cold, while Bumrah missed a crucial part of the encounter due to an injury. However, he returned to bowl later in the day and that will come as a huge relief for the Indian fans.

England have got themselves into a position of strength and with two more days left, India have their backs against the wall as they look to restore parity in the five-match series.