IND vs ENG Live Score, 4th Test Match Day 5: KL Rahul, Shubman Gill and rain
England are anxiously waiting to see if star all-rounder Ben Stokes will be fit to bowl on the final day of the fourth Test at Old Trafford, after KL Rahul and Shubman Gill's defiant partnership left the hosts short of answers without their strike bowler.
Stokes, the leading wicket-taker in the series, did not bowl a single over in India's second innings across 63 overs on Day 4. India finished the day at 174/2, thanks to an unbroken 174-run stand between Rahul and Gill for the third wicket. The England camp later revealed that Stokes was feeling "stiff and sore", and a final decision on his availability will be made following an overnight medical assessment.
India, who had slumped early in their innings, staged a remarkable recovery as Rahul and Gill batted through two full sessions without losing a wicket. England's attack, particularly once the ball softened, appeared toothless without Stokes' ability to break partnerships or create pressure out of nowhere.
Their only real opportunity came when Gill mistimed a shot off Brydon Carse, but Liam Dawson put down the chance at backward point — a drop that encapsulated England's frustrating day.
Having returned from hamstring surgery earlier this year, Stokes underwent an intense rehabilitation programme to be ready for this marquee series against India. His commitment has shown — he's already bowled 129 overs in the series, the most he's ever delivered in a single Test series.
Stokes retired hurt due to cramps on Day 3 but returned to the field and later scored a brilliant 141 on Day 4, his first Test century in over two years.
"He's a bit stiff and sore," said England assistant coach Marcus Trescothick, speaking to ESPNcricinfo.
"He's had a big workload over the past few weeks. Batting for that long in the first innings took a toll — he was cramping up. We're hopeful that with a night's rest and more physio work, he'll be good to go tomorrow."
Stokes was seen clutching his hamstring while fielding, raising concerns. However, Trescothick downplayed the incident.
"It's just a build-up. From where he's come from to where he is now, it's a massive workload. We're trying to manage that. Yesterday's cramps raised a bit of concern, but we'll see how he pulls up in the morning," he added.
Interestingly, England had already decided not to use Stokes with the ball on Day 4, acknowledging the risk of overworking him. His physical strain has been evident — after bowling 19.2 overs on the final day at Lord's to secure a win, Stokes admitted he had to spend four days in bed recovering. At Old Trafford, he has already bowled 24 overs across two days, claiming 5/72 — but it appears to have taken a significant toll.
"If he were off the field, he wouldn't be eligible to bowl tomorrow," Trescothick clarified.
Stokes hasn't played white-ball cricket in nearly two years and has opted out of The Hundred. He's unlikely to return to competitive action until the Ashes begin in November.
With the Test — and possibly the series — hanging in the balance, England will be hoping their inspirational captain has one final spell left in him.
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