England dominated Day 3 of the 4th Test at Old Trafford, reaching 544/7 at Stumps, extending their lead to 186 runs with Ben Stokes still at the crease.
Joe Root starred with another brilliant 150, becoming the second-highest run-scorer in Test history.
India struggled in the morning session without breakthroughs. Spinners Washington Sundar and Ravindra Jadeja struck in the afternoon, but Root’s composure kept England on top. Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj dismissed lower-order batters late in the day, but England remained firmly in control.
England scored 319 runs in 89 overs on Day 3, with wickets falling in clusters—two just after lunch and three towards the close of play. Despite brief momentum shifts, India’s bowlers were punished on a flat track.
With rain forecast for Sunday, Day 4 will be crucial. If India can restrict England’s lead to around 200 and bat deep in their second innings, they could keep the match alive heading into the 5th Test.
