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The ongoing fourth Test of the five-match series between England and India is hanging in balance with India trailing by 137 runs at stumps on Day 4 at the Emirates Old Trafford in Manchester. Coming into the fourth Test after a 22-run drubbing at the Lord’s, India were put to bat first, where they posted 358 runs with gritty fifty-plus knocks from Yashasvi Jaiswal, Sai Sudharsan and Rishabh Pant.
Thereafter, England went onto to chase the total and posted a 311-run lead, courtesy 150 from Joe Root and 141 off 198 from Ben Stokes. In the England first innings, all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja starred with the ball, picking four wickets to restrict the hosts. However, taking the guards once again on Day 4, India lost Jaiswal and Sai Sudharsan on duck, but KL Rahul and Shubman Gill played a heroic partnership to put 174 runs on the board.
He will bat: Team India batting coach shares BIG update on Rishabh Pant ahead of Day 5
As it will be just pure Test cricket and some gruelling action at the Old Trafford, India’s batting coach Sitanshu Kotak in the post-day press conference was inquired about Rishabh Pant. It is to be noted that Pant suffered an injury on the opening day of the ongoing Test and was forced to walk off the field. However, he returned to bat, but was confirmed to be out of action for atleast six weeks. But ahead of Day 5, Kotak was asked if Pant will walk out to bat on the final day to which he responded, “I think he will bat tomorrow.”
Furthermore, the Indian batting coach added that the players will have to play every ball on the final day and avoid unnecessary risks with only option to draw this Test. “Don't be pre-planned. Play to the merit of the ball. Avoid unnecessary risks. If you are set and then you cut down on undue risks, the only way you can get out is if the ball behaves badly after pitching or if you get a brilliant delivery. These boys have the quality. They have the ability to do what they did today on Day 5. All these are all format players. Everybody is playing the IPL and international cricket. Your mindset is important. Your need to train your mind to play the situation. It takes mental effort more than skill,” he said.
Speaking of the ongoing Test, after India restricted England on Day 4, Yashasvi Jaiswal opened alongside KL Rahul. Although, the young batter departed for a four-ball duck, Sai Sudharsan, the next man, also had a forgettable day as he was dismissed on a golden duck. Thereafter, KL Rahul (87* off 210) and skipper Shubman Gill (78* off 167) stitched a 174-run stand to cut down England’s lead and now trail by 137 runs.
