IND vs Ang Live Score, 4th Test Match Day 5: KL Rahul, Shubman Gill and Rain – India’s hope in Old Trafford
IND vs Ang Live Score: IND vs Ang Live Score: England is expected to bowl Stokes on Final Day
England are eagerly waiting to see if the star all-rounder Ben Stokes would fit to bowl for the last day of the fourth Test at Old Trafford, KL Rahul and Shubman Gill’s defense partnership left the hosts without their strike bowler.
Stokes, who took major wickets in the series, did not bowl in 63 overs in 4 days in India’s second innings. India finished the day at 174/2, thanks to an unbreakable 174-rorn stand between Rahul and Gill for the third wicket. The England camp later revealed that Stokes were feeling “hard and throat”, and a final decision on their availability would be made after an overnight medical evaluation.
India, who slipped in their innings early, staged a remarkable recovery as Rahul and Gill batted without losing one wicket through two full sessions. England’s attack, especially once the ball softened, appeared toothless without Stokes’s ability to break or pressurize the partnership.
His only real opportunity came when Gill blurred a shot from Bridan Cars, but Liam Dawson gave a chance at a backward point – a drop that surrounded England’s disappointing day.
After returning from Hamstring Surgery earlier this year, Stokes performed an intensive rehabilitation program against India to get ready for this Marki series. His commitment has shown – he has already bowled 129 overs in the series, most of them ever distributed in the same test series.
Stokes retired due to cramps on day 3, but returned to the field and later scored a brilliant 141 runs at 4, his first test in two years.
England’s assistant coach Marcus Trescothic said, “He is a bit harsh and around the neck.”
“He was a big task burden in the last few weeks. Batting for a long time in the first innings took a toll – he was cramping. We hope that with one night’s comfort and more physio work, it would be good to go tomorrow.”
Stokes were seen holding their hamstring while fielding, raising concerns. However, Trescothic reduced the incident.
He said, “This is just a build-up. From where he has come from now is a huge charge. We are trying to manage it. Yesterday’s cramps expressed some concern, but we will see how he pulls the morning,” he said.
Interestingly, England had decided not to use Stokes with the ball at 4 on the first day, which accepted the risk of overwork. His physical stress has become clear – after bowling 19.2 overs on the last day at Lord’s, to win a win, Stokes admitted that he had to spend four days to overcome beds. In Old Trafford, he has already bowled 24 overs in the first two days, claiming 5/72 – but it appears that it has taken a significant toll.
“If he was out of the field, he would not be eligible to bowl tomorrow,” Treskothic clarified.
Stokes has not played white-ball cricket in almost two years and has chosen out of hundred. He is unlikely to return to competitive action until the ash starts in November.
With the test – and possibly hanging in the series – balance, England would hopes that his inspirational captain has a final mantra.
