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With the five-match Test series currently underway in the United Kingdon (UK), on Sunday, July 27, the much-hyped fourth Test culminated in a draw at the Emirates Old Trafford in Manchester. While the Men in Blue started strongly, posting 358 runs after being put to bat first, England bounced back in style as century knocks from Joe Root (150) and Ben Stokes (141) helped them add 311-run lead in their first innings.
While the Shubman Gill-led side fought hard, leveling the scores and then adding a 114-run lead in the second innings. Earlier in the innings when India had lost two quick wickets of Yashasvi Jaiswal and Sai Sudharsan, the onus was on KL Rahul and Shubman Gill, both of whom added 174-run partnership at the end of day four’s play. Later, while KL departed after scoring 90 runs, Shubman Gill added 103 runs. Thereafter, an unbeaten stand from Washington Sundar (101*) and Ravindra Jadeja (107*) helped India fight for a draw.
We'll be good as gold: Ben Stokes on his injury ahead of final Test vs India
During the second India innings, a lot was going on in the English camp as they struggled to find themselves among wickets. Moreover, Ben Stokes, who played 141 off 198 deliveries in the first innings, also was seen struggling with injury. While he was seen clutching to his hamstring, he was also getting strained around his shoulders, raising alarming concerns on his fitness. As a result, Stokes was inquired of the same in the post-match press conference.
"Mentally, decent. Physically, been better. It's just something that's just been sort of stirring away. It's been a pretty big workload so far in the series. Another big week last week at Lords with time spent out in the middle with batting the hand and obviously overs bowled, and then the same again this week. Said it a few times to the guys out there. Pain is just an emotion. So yeah, just one of those things," Stokes said.
Speaking more on his injury, the cricketer added, "It's actually my bicep tendon. I've obviously had a considerable workload throughout it. It's just been creeping around. A lot of time out in the middle doing my job as an all-rounder this week and just got a little bit flared up, but I'll obviously keep going and didn't get any worse throughout the day, just stayed the same. That's why I kept going. Hopefully, it settles down and we'll be good as gold for the last game." When asked of his availability in the upcoming Test match, the English all-rounder brushed aside rumours of his absence.
"I think you look at how long we've been out in the field and the overs that we bowled as a bowling unit. Everyone's going to be sort of pretty sore and pretty tired going into the last game of the series. I think there'll be an assessment of everyone, and hopefully we can use the next two to three days' rest period wisely and then make a decision on them. These recovery days are going to be pretty important, and yeah, we might have to make a few decisions to get some fresh legs in. But again, that won't be decided until we get closer to the last game," he concluded.
