The third day of the fourth men’s Test match between England and India at Old Trafford saw England assert their dominance, with a commanding lead established by the end of play. After resuming at 200 runs for the loss of four wickets, England finished the day at 350 runs for six, holding a substantial advantage over India, who struggled to contain the English batting line-up.
The highlight of the day was a superb innings from Joe Root, who scored 132 runs not out. His performance was pivotal in pushing England’s total beyond the 300-mark. Root’s innings included a mix of aggressive strokes and patient defense, showcasing his ability to build partnerships at critical moments. Alongside him, Jonny Bairstow contributed significantly with a quickfire 56 runs off 63 balls, adding valuable runs before being dismissed late in the day.
India’s bowlers faced a tough challenge throughout the day, with Mohammed Siraj taking two wickets but struggling to maintain pressure. The Indian team will need to regroup and come back stronger on the fourth day, as the match slips further from their grasp. The visitors will look to their spin attack, led by Ravichandran Ashwin, to make inroads early on Day Four.
As the match progresses, England’s focus shifts toward setting a target that could prove insurmountable for India. With the pitch showing signs of wear, batting conditions may change, placing additional pressure on the Indian batting order. England’s bowlers will be eager to exploit any assistance from the surface when the time comes to defend their total.
Looking ahead, India needs a strong response to stay competitive in this Test. The side will hope for a partnership similar to the one seen in their previous innings, where they put up a formidable score. As the match unfolds, both teams will be keenly aware of the stakes involved, with the series on the line and both sides eager for victory.
In conclusion, Day Three at Old Trafford showcased England’s strengths, with a resilient performance from Root and the rest of the team. As the players prepare for the next day’s play, fans will be eager to see how both teams adapt and respond to the evolving dynamics of the match.
