What happened on Day 3 of England vs India, 4th Test? All you need to know

Day 3 of the ongoing Manchester Test completely belonged to England. Starting the day at 225/2 and trailing by 133 runs, the home team ended with a commanding total of 544/7, taking a 186-run lead over India.

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Much of the focus was on the first session, with hopes that India’s bowlers would break through early. But Ollie Pope and Joe Root handled them with ease. India failed to take a single wicket in the morning session. At lunch, England were just 26 runs behind, and the visitors looked out of ideas.

India finally found some relief after the break. Washington Sundar provided two much-needed breakthroughs. First, he ended Pope’s innings on 71, breaking a 144-run partnership with Root for the third wicket. Soon after, Sundar removed Harry Brook for just 3. At that point, it looked like India might claw their way back into the match.

But Joe Root and skipper Ben Stokes had other plans. Root continued to play a brilliant innings and created history. He scored a majestic 150, and in the process, climbed to second place in the all-time list of leading run-scorers in Test cricket. Root surpassed legends Rahul Dravid, Jacques Kallis, and Ricky Ponting. He now trails only Sachin Tendulkar.

Stokes still unbetaen on 77

Meanwhile, Stokes also looked solid and brought up his half-century. However, he was troubled by cramps and decided to retire hurt on 66*. Jamie Smith came in next but could not make a big impact. He was followed by Liam Dawson, who looked settled and remained unbeaten on 21 by stumps.

Chris Woakes was dismissed cheaply, which led to Stokes returning to the crease after recovering from cramps. He looked fine and added more runs, finishing the day unbeaten on 77 alongside Dawson.

England ended Day 3 in full control, leading by 186 with three wickets still in hand. On Day 4, they will look to stretch the lead even further and put more pressure on India. For the visitors, the goal will be to wrap up the English innings quickly and start their second innings with the bat on a positive note.

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