SKIPPER MAY BE TOO SORE TO LEAD TODAY'S RENEWED ATTACK

MARCUS TRESCOTHICK admitted England are sweating on the fitness of captain Ben Stokes.

- SIMON MULLOCK

Stokes (left) smashed a brilliant 141 as his team posted a mammoth firstinnings total of 669 to leave India staring down the barrel of a huge fourth Test defeat at Old Trafford.

But he was powerless as the tourists fought back in the afternoon after being unable to bowl due to a hamstring issue.

And assistant coach Trescothick revealed that the all-rounder's chances of returning to the attack on the final day hinge on him responding to rest and treatment.

Trescothick said: "We're hoping Ben will bowl. He's a bit stiff and sore. He's had quite a big workload in the last few weeks and, obviously, he was getting cramp when he batted.