First Time In 77 Years! England's Top-4 Batters Script History Against India
The Indian bowling unit struggled on the second and third days, which allowed England’s batters to dominate proceedings and take control of the match.
A five-match Test series is currently underway between India and England. The fourth Test, being played at Old Trafford, Manchester from July 23, has already produced a historic moment by the end of Day 3.
Historic Feat by England’s Top-4 Batters
For the first time in 77 years of Test cricket, all four of England’s top-order batters scored 70 or more runs in the same innings — a feat never before achieved in the nation's long Test history. Despite winning several key matches over the decades, this unique record had eluded England until now.
Zak Crawley led the charge with a fluent 84-run knock.
Ben Duckett followed suit with an impressive 94.
Ollie Pope, batting at No. 3, added 71 valuable runs.
Joe Root produced a masterclass with a brilliant 150, putting India firmly on the back foot.
Match Situation After Day 3
India batted first and posted 358 runs in 114.1 overs, with Sai Sudharsan (61), Yashasvi Jaiswal (58), Rishabh Pant (54), and KL Rahul (46) contributing to the total.
England began their innings on Day 2 and by the end of Day 3, they had scored 544/7 in 135 overs, gaining a substantial 186-run lead. Alongside the top-4 brilliance, skipper Ben Stokes remained unbeaten on 77 runs off 134 balls, adding to India’s woes.
The Indian bowling unit struggled on the second and third days, failing to make breakthroughs at crucial moments, which allowed England’s batters to dominate proceedings and take control of the match.
Joe Root's Ton Puts England In Command
England seized control on Day 3 of the ongoing IND vs ENG 4th Test match at Old Trafford after a commanding batting performance powered them to 544/7 at stumps in reply to India’s first-innings total of 358. The home side now leads by 186 runs, heading into Day 4 with captain Ben Stokes unbeaten on 77 and Liam Dawson on 21.
For the first time since 2021, India allowed a total of over 500 in a Test innings. The Indian players walk off the field visibly drained, with England possibly having batted them out of not just the match - but perhaps the entire series.
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