England Take Dominant Big Lead as India Struggle on Day 3 of the Fourth Test

England have taken charge of the fourth Test match against India after a convincing Day 3 performance at Old Trafford. Having already accumulated a lead of 186 runs and with more batting yet to be done England have left India battered and hoping against hope for a way back into the game. Joe Root was the major contributor for the hosts demonstrating his class with the bat and was also well-supported by Ollie Pope who is still at the crease unbeaten. The good partnership put the Indian bowlers on the back foot and provided England with the sort of momentum they required following a powerful start by their openers Ben Duckett and Zak Crawley.

India had begun the game with promise posting 358 runs in their inaugural innings. The turning point of the innings was Rishabh Pant's courageous half-century as he fought through a foot injury to return on Day 2 and score crucial runs. His fighting 54 from 75 balls consisted of some attacking shots that gave India hope. Earlier during the innings Shardul Thakur also proved to be resilient scoring 41 of 88 balls as Ravindra Jadeja could not play any big role and got out for mere 20. Apart from a good score India's innings seemed inferior once England started their response.

The English openers utilized the flat pitch and Indian pacers' poor bowling. Both Duckett and Crawley punished loose deliveries and amassed a huge 166-run stand. Duckett was short of a century by two runs after scoring 94 from 100 balls as Crawley scored a steady 84 before being stumped by Ravindra Jadeja. Debutant Anshul Kamboj had the wicket of Duckett but by that time the damage was already done. Crawley then revealed that he was happy with his performance and thought it was the fruit of his hard work. He conceded that he sets very high standards for himself and today proved that all the hard work was worth it.

England's bowlers had done a good job too before that with Ben Stokes standing out like a star. Stokes took five wickets for the first time in a period of eight years and turned the game on its head. He made better use of the conditions than most and got the ball to move particularly with the second new ball. This contribution from the England captain went a long way to limit India to a total that initially seemed competitive but soon proved small once England started their batting response.

India's quick bowlers were unable to get any swing or dip and their length and line were all over the place. The wicket didn't give much assistance and England's batsmen made the most of it. While Root and Pope were constructing their partnership, England was becoming increasingly at ease. By Day 3's end Ben Stokes was unbeaten on 77 at the crease and set to drive the lead further on Day 4. With England poised to build a lead nearing or even exceeding 250 India will be in immense pressure when they take the field to bat in the second innings.

The only silver lining for India was the late dismissal of both English openers on Day 2 and the minimal support Jadeja is receiving from the pitch. If India want to come back they would have to end the current partnership between Root and Pope early on Day 4. Otherwise England's lead would become unchaseable. The Indian team also has some hope but they will require discipline from their bowlers and much greater consistency in their lines if they wish to prevent England from running away with the game.

At present the Test match England are well on top. They have produced good shows with bat and ball alike and seem intent on drawing the series. India, on their part, are under pressure and need to regroup fast if at all they are to salvage the match. The pitch may begin to favor spinners as the match enters Day 4 and 5 which could benefit a player like Jadeja but only if India are able to check the run flow first. They will require early wickets and disciplined bowling to even have a chance of remaining in the contest.