Is It Too Late for India After Early Wickets in 4th Test?
Click to start listening
Synopsis
In a gripping fourth Test at Old Trafford, former England captain Michael Atherton believes India faces an enormous challenge after losing two early wickets. With over 300 runs to chase, can India turn the tide? Discover what experts say about the match dynamics and player performances.
Key Takeaways
- India faces a steep challenge after losing two early wickets.
- Chris Woakes
- Expert opinions highlight the mental fatigue of the players.
- England's strong first innings set a daunting target.
- India has unresolved issues with their batting order.
Manchester, July 26 (NationPress) Former England captain Michael Atherton asserts that it is a significant uphill battle for India in the fourth Test at Old Trafford. He expressed that he was not surprised by the visitors losing two wickets early on day four before the lunch break.
Veteran all-rounder Chris Woakes dismissed Yashasvi Jaiswal and B Sai Sudharsan for ducks, leaving India struggling at 1/2 in just three overs. They still trail England by over 300 runs and require a monumental effort to push the Test to its final day.
“The openers are facing the daunting task of coming in over 300 runs behind - arguably one of the toughest scenarios in Test cricket - so the fall of those two wickets was not unexpected. It’s a long journey back from here.”
“Jaiswal's series has been quite unpredictable, with both highs and lows. Additionally, India faces a dilemma at No. 3 as they struggle to find a consistent player for that position,” Atherton noted during the Sky Sports broadcast.
He also commended England for mentally exhausting the Indian side by accumulating 669 runs in their first innings. “It's a challenging sport. As former Australia captain Steve Waugh put it, 'mental disintegration' is precisely what we witnessed. Keeping a team on the field for 150-160 overs is a key strategy for breaking them down.”
Ricky Ponting, the former Australian captain, shared his thoughts, indicating that the dismissals of Jaiswal and Sudharsan may also stem from fatigue. “England has had a stellar couple of days. Personal achievements, including Ben Stokes scoring a hundred and taking five wickets in the first innings, have all gone their way.”
“They managed to keep India out in the field just long enough... those early dismissals appeared to be the result of tired shots. The challenges for India are likely to intensify as the day progresses,” he concluded.
Point of View
It is crucial to provide an unbiased overview of the current cricket scenario. The ongoing fourth Test showcases the high stakes involved for India, with expert analysis shedding light on the challenges they face. Our commitment is to keep our readers informed with credible insights that reflect the current state of play.
NationPress
21/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened in the fourth Test between India and England?
In the fourth Test at Old Trafford, India lost two early wickets before lunch on day four, with Chris Woakes dismissing both Yashasvi Jaiswal and B Sai Sudharsan for ducks.
How many runs does India need to chase?
India is currently trailing England by over 300 runs and needs a significant performance to have a chance of extending the Test to its final day.
Who commented on India's performance?
Former England captain Michael Atherton and former Australian captain Ricky Ponting provided analysis on India's performance and the challenges they face in the match.
