Gill’s Gritty Hundred in Vain as England Eye Series Win

Gill’s Gritty Hundred in Vain as England Eye Series Win

England took a decisive step towards clinching the Test series on the final day at Old Trafford, dismissing both overnight batters—Shubman Gill and KL Rahul—before lunch to leave India struggling at 223 for 4, still trailing by 88 runs.

After conceding a massive 311-run first-innings lead, India had begun their second innings under immense pressure late on Day 4. Facing a hat-trick ball first up, skipper Shubman Gill led a spirited fightback, scoring a defiant 103 that kept Indian hopes flickering. His 188-run partnership with KL Rahul (90) ensured the game stretched into Day 5, but both were dismissed in quick succession during a crucial morning session.

Gill Leads from the Front

Gill, who has now scored four centuries in his first series as India captain, displayed exceptional grit and temperament. Early on the fifth morning, he survived a sharp chance at short cover when Ollie Pope failed to cling on. He also endured a fiery spell from Ben Stokes, who returned to bowl despite a shoulder niggle and visible discomfort, having not bowled at all on Day 4 due to cramp.

Stokes eventually broke the crucial stand by trapping KL Rahul lbw with a delivery that kept low, exploiting the inconsistent bounce that’s troubled batters throughout the Test. His eight-over spell from the James Anderson End was full of heart and hostility, turning the momentum back in England’s favour.

Archer Delivers the Breakthrough

With the second new ball in hand, Jofra Archer ensured England ended the session on a high. After beating Gill’s bat several times with pace and bounce, Archer finally found the edge with a back-of-a-length delivery that the Indian captain played away from his body, resulting in a regulation catch to wicketkeeper Jamie Smith.

Chris Woakes, sharing the new ball, also posed consistent threats, but it was Archer’s dismissal of Gill that could prove pivotal in swinging the match England’s way.

India’s Uphill Task

India still trail by 88 runs with only six wickets in hand. With the pitch continuing to misbehave and England’s bowlers relentlessly probing for mistakes, the onus is now on the lower middle order to produce a rear-guard effort to avoid defeat and keep the series alive.

Having dominated the first half of the match with the bat, England now find themselves on the brink of a series-clinching win—unless India can summon a miracle from here.

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