Gill, Rahul stabilise India

Skipper Shubman Gill and KL Rahul stitched a 174-run partnership to raise India's hopes of saving the fourth Test against England at Old Trafford

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Captain Shubman Gill and the ever-dependable K L Rahul gave India a glimmer of hope with resilient half-centuries after a well crafted hundred from Ben Stokes extended England's supremacy in the fourth Test here Saturday.

Having lost Yashasvi Jaiswal and Sai Sudharsan for no run in the second innings, Gill (78 batting off 167 balls) and Rahul (87 batting off 210 balls) showed plenty of patience in their 174-run stand to substantially cut England's massive 311-run lead. At stumps on day four, India stood at 174 for two after two wicketless sessions, still trailing the hosts by 137 runs.

England were all out for 669 in the morning session following Stokes’ special 141 off 198 balls that came after a five wicket haul Friday.

The highly skilled duo of Gill and Rahul could have taken more risk against left-arm spinner Liam Dawson but both did play some sizzling drives against the fast bowlers.