[WATCH] ENG vs IND 2025: Chris Woakes’ double blow rocks India in Manchester

Yashasvi Jaiswal, Chris Woakes and Sai Sudharsan. (Photo source: X)

England pacer Chris Woakes produced a sensational opening over in India’s second innings, grabbing two quick wickets to put the hosts firmly in control on Day 4 of the fourth Test at Old Trafford, Manchester. Earlier, England posted a mammoth total of 669, taking a commanding 311-run lead over India.

With just 15 minutes remaining before Lunch, Indian openers Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul walked out to bat. Woakes opened the attack, bowling full from around the wicket. His very first breakthrough came when he found the outside edge of Jaiswal’s bat, as he closed the face too early while staying at the crease. Joe Root, stationed at first slip, initially fumbled the straightforward catch but managed to recover and take it on the second attempt, sending Jaiswal back to the pavilion for a duck.

Next in was Sai Sudharsan, falling on the fifth ball of the over. Woakes bowled a short-of-a-length delivery outside off stump, a ball that should have posed no threat. However, Sudharsan was caught in two minds about whether to play or leave. He eventually hung his bat out and tried to withdraw but it was too late as the ball made contact with the bat and went to Harry Brook at second slip as India had lost two wickets in the very first over.

The captain Shubman Gill then came to face the final delivery of the over. Woakes’ delivery struck him on the pad, but it was drifting down the leg side. The over ended as a double-wicket maiden, leaving India rattled early in their second innings.

Earlier in the day, Ben Stokes led England’s charge with a commanding 141, bringing up a personal milestone by crossing 7000 runs in Test cricket. He was well-supported by Brydon Carse and Liam Dawson, helping England to a formidable first-innings total.

England’s innings was anchored by Joe Root, who scored a majestic 150. He received strong support from Ben Duckett (94) and Zak Crawley (84), laying a solid foundation and pushing the hosts to a dominant position in the match. India will now look to regroup and put up a fight in the remaining sessions.

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