India vs England Test Day 3: England Trail by 133 Runs at 225/2
On Day 3 at Old Trafford, England resumed at 225/2, trailing India’s 358 by 133 runs. Can India bag early wickets and regain control? Live updates inside.
Old Trafford Test: England Resumes Day 3, Trailing India by 133 Runs
The highly anticipated fourth Test match between India and England at Old Trafford, Manchester, moves into its crucial third day today, July 25, 2025. England will resume their first innings at a strong position of 225 for 2, trailing India's first innings total of 358 by 133 runs. The stage is set for a gripping day of Test cricket, with both teams vying for control in this pivotal encounter.
Day 2 saw a dominant batting display from England's openers, Ben Duckett and Zak Crawley, who capitalized on favorable batting conditions and a somewhat wayward Indian bowling attack. Their aggressive approach, often termed 'Bazball', allowed them to score at a brisk pace and lay a solid foundation. As play begins on Day 3, the focus will be on India's bowlers to bag early wickets and stem the flow of runs, preventing England from building a significant first-innings lead. The Old Trafford pitch, which has offered some assistance to both pacers and spinners, will play a crucial role as the match progresses.
Day 2 Recap: England's Dominant Batting Display
Day 2 of the Old Trafford Test proved to be largely England's day, following India's first innings total of 358. India had resumed their innings at 264 for 4, with Rishabh Pant bravely batting with a fractured foot to score a commendable 54, and contributions from Ravindra Jadeja (20) and Shardul Thakur (41). Ben Stokes was the pick of the English bowlers, claiming an impressive five-wicket haul (5/72), his first in Test cricket since 2017. Jofra Archer also contributed with 3 wickets.
However, the real story of Day 2 was England's aggressive response with the bat. Openers Ben Duckett and Zak Crawley launched a blistering attack on the Indian bowlers, putting together a commanding 166-run partnership off just 192 balls. They scored at a rapid pace of nearly five runs per over, taking full advantage of loose deliveries and a relatively flat pitch.
- Ben Duckett: Scored a brisk 94 runs off 100 balls, narrowly missing out on a century. He was eventually dismissed by debutant Anshul Kamboj, who claimed his maiden Test wicket.
- Zak Crawley: Contributed a powerful 84 runs off 113 balls before being dismissed by Ravindra Jadeja, caught at first slip by KL Rahul.
At stumps on Day 2, England was in a strong position at 225 for 2. Ollie Pope was batting on 20* (42 balls) and Joe Root on 11* (27 balls), having safely negotiated the final overs of the day. India's bowlers, including Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj, struggled to find consistent rhythm and breakthroughs against England's aggressive batting.
Current Situation on Day 3: Can India Fight Back?
As Day 3 commences, England holds a significant advantage, trailing by only 133 runs with eight wickets still in hand. The partnership between Ollie Pope and Joe Root will be crucial for England to not only erase the deficit but also build a substantial lead. Both batsmen are known for their ability to score big hundreds, and a long partnership could put India under immense pressure.
For India, the task is clear: they need early wickets. Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj will be expected to lead the attack with the new ball, aiming to exploit any early morning moisture or swing. The performance of debutant Anshul Kamboj and the all-rounders like Shardul Thakur and Ravindra Jadeja will also be vital. India's strategy will likely involve tight lines, consistent pressure, and perhaps a more aggressive field setting to create chances. Getting rid of Pope and Root quickly will be paramount to prevent England from taking a commanding lead.
Key Players to Watch on Day 3
- Ollie Pope (England): Resuming on 20*, Pope is a technically sound batsman capable of playing long innings. His ability to rotate strike and find boundaries will be key.
- Joe Root (England): The former captain and one of England's most prolific run-scorers, Root is currently on 11*. His experience and class will be vital in guiding England to a big total.
- Jasprit Bumrah (India): India's premier fast bowler, Bumrah will be tasked with providing early breakthroughs. His accuracy and ability to generate reverse swing later in the day will be crucial.
- Ravindra Jadeja (India): As the pitch wears, Jadeja's left-arm spin could become a major weapon for India. He will look to create chances and control the scoring rate.
Old Trafford Pitch and Weather Report for Day 3
The Old Trafford pitch on Day 3 is expected to offer a balanced contest. While it played relatively flat on Day 2, allowing England's openers to score freely, it still has enough in it for bowlers who hit the right areas. The surface might offer some early morning moisture, which could assist the pacers, and as the day progresses and the pitch wears, spinners like Ravindra Jadeja and Liam Dawson will come more into play, finding more turn and bounce.
The weather forecast for Manchester on Day 3 (July 25, 2025) predicts mostly cloudy conditions with sunny intervals. There's a minimal chance of rain, particularly in the morning, which should allow for uninterrupted play for most of the day. Temperatures are expected to be pleasant, ranging from 16°C to 21°C. These conditions are generally favorable for Test cricket, allowing both batsmen and bowlers to showcase their skills.
Match Analysis: The Battle for the First Innings Lead
The current match situation heavily favors England. Their aggressive batting on Day 2 has put them in a commanding position, and they are now well-placed to take a significant first innings lead. If England can bat through the first session without losing too many wickets, they could quickly erase the deficit and start building a lead that puts India under immense pressure. A lead of 100-150 runs could be decisive on this pitch.
For India, the challenge is immense. They need to bowl with discipline, create chances, and take their catches. The lack of early breakthroughs on Day 2 was a concern, and they cannot afford a repeat performance. A strong bowling effort in the first session of Day 3 is crucial to shift the momentum back in their favor. If they fail to pick up wickets, England could bat them out of the game. The match is at a critical juncture, and the next few hours of play will likely determine which team gains the upper hand.
Conclusion: A Pivotal Day Ahead
Day 3 of the India vs England 4th Test promises to be a pivotal day in the series. England, resuming at 225/2 and trailing by 133 runs, is in a strong position to build a substantial lead. The onus is now on India's bowlers to deliver early breakthroughs and prevent England's middle order from consolidating further. The Old Trafford pitch and weather conditions are set to provide a fair contest, and the team that executes its plans better in the crucial morning session will likely gain a decisive advantage. Cricket fans can expect a thrilling day of action as both teams battle fiercely for control of this high-stakes Test match.
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