Pant to Bat on Day 5 as Stokes Bowling Availability Remains Uncertain
India need to bat throughout the final day to stave off defeat; a draw would maintain their series challenge.
Overview
- Rishabh Pant will bat on Day 5 despite fracturing his toe on Day 1 and can no longer keep wicket.
- India ended Day 4 at 174 for two, still trailing England by 137 after KL Rahul and Shubman Gill added an unbeaten 174.
- England captain Ben Stokes sat out bowling on Day 4 due to cramp and his participation in the attack tomorrow is unclear.
- India’s strategy centers on disciplined, risk-controlled batting to negotiate a wearing Old Trafford pitch and deny England victory.
- England lead the five-match series 2–1, making a fourth-Test draw crucial for India to extend the contest.