GILL AND RAHUL START FIGHTBACK

Stokes century gives hosts unassailable 311-run lead before the senior batters help India hold their innings together

- Express in England FIROZ MIRZA

After conceding more than 600 runs, India had a nightmarish start to their second innings of the fourth Test here at the Old Trafford Ground on Saturday. Opening the bowling for England with only three overs remaining before lunch, Chris Woakes claimed back-to-back wickets of Yashasvi Jaiswal and B Sai Sudharsan even before India could have opened their account.

Losing two wickets in the first over immediately put India on the back foot. Every ball bowled after that became an event with the English supporters egging on their bowlers each time they steamed in to bowl. Captain Shubman Gill and opener KL Rahul, however, saw off the remaining 13 balls, making sure India did not slip further. The two then started rebuilding the innings post-break with Gill being the aggressor. He also offered a chance, although a difficult one, to Liam Dawson at gully when he was on 46. A few close calls and a cautious approach meant India went to tea at 86 for two with Gill unbeaten on 52 and Rahul playing on 30.

The visitors then reached the three figures mark in the next 10 overs as the batters started looking more comfortable in the middle. Rahul also brought his half-century in the due course of time. England tried to bounce out the batters, but they negotiated those deliveries carefully to keep India in the hunt.