July 24, 2025
Sports

Shubman Gill Faces Boos in Manchester as Ben Stokes Dismisses India Captain

  • July 23, 2025
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Shubman Gill Faces Boos in Manchester as Ben Stokes Dismisses India Captain

England’s Strong Start in Fourth Test

In the first innings of the fourth Test in Manchester, England made a significant breakthrough against India. The English bowlers, led by Chris Woakes, dismantled India’s opening pair of KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal before dismissing Shubman Gill. By tea on day one, India was at 149 for three, with Sai Sudharsan and Rishabh Pant at the crease. Woakes, who had been persistent in his line and length, finally got Rahul caught at third slip for 46 runs.

Shubman Gill’s Controversial Dismissal

The spotlight was on Shubman Gill, the Indian captain, following his comments about England’s adherence to the ‘Spirit of the Game’ during the previous Test. Gill’s innings was short-lived as he misjudged an incoming delivery from Ben Stokes, resulting in an LBW dismissal. Stokes celebrated aggressively, and the crowd at Old Trafford booed Gill as he walked off the field.

England’s Tactical Bowling Approach

England’s strategy paid off when left-arm spinner Liam Dawson struck early in his comeback Test after eight years. Jaiswal, who scored 58 runs, edged a delivery to first slip. Sai Sudharsan showed caution initially but managed to score off deliveries pitched on middle and leg. England attempted to exploit Sudharsan’s previous dismissal pattern by targeting his leg side.

Morning Session Highlights

India started strong with Rahul and Jaiswal steering the team to 78 without loss at lunch. Despite overcast conditions favoring seam movement, the Indian openers capitalized on the lack of pace to play pull shots effectively. Woakes challenged Jaiswal with probing deliveries, but the Indian opener survived several close calls.

Team Changes and Strategic Decisions

India made strategic changes by including Sai Sudharsan over Karun Nair and replacing injured players with Akash Deep and Nitish Reddy. Despite historical statistics suggesting otherwise, Ben Stokes opted to bowl first on a dry surface.

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