Introduction: A Day of Records and Dominance at Old Trafford
The 4th Test Day 3 England vs India recap is a tale of Joe Root’s brilliance, England’s relentless batting, and India’s fading hopes at Old Trafford, Manchester, on July 25, 2025. With a majestic 150, Root not only powered England to a commanding 544/7 but also climbed to No. 2 on the all-time Test run-scorers list, surpassing legends like Rahul Dravid, Jacques Kallis, and Ricky Ponting. England’s 186-run lead, bolstered by Ben Stokes’ gritty 77* and Ollie Pope’s steady 71, has put India in a precarious position, facing a potential innings defeat in this crucial 2025-27 World Test Championship (WTC) clash.
4th Test Day 3 England vs India Recap Can India’s batters stage a comeback, or will Root’s record-chasing masterclass define this series? Let’s dive into the highlights, match flow, and tactical breakdowns of a day that had cricket fans on the edge of their seats.
Match Recap: England’s Commanding Performance on Day 3
4th Test Day 3 England vs India Recap Day 3 of the 4th Test was a batting masterclass from England, who added 319 runs for the loss of five wickets, finishing at 544/7. Starting at 225/2, England capitalized on a flat pitch and sunny Manchester skies, leaving India’s bowlers weary and their tactics exposed. Joe Root led the charge, crafting a sublime 150, while partnerships with Ollie Pope (144 runs) and Ben Stokes (142 runs) crushed India’s hopes. India managed late wickets through Washington Sundar (2/57) and Ravindra Jadeja (2/117), but their bowling lacked depth, with debutant Anshul Kamboj struggling at 1/89.
Key Stats from Day 3
| Player | Runs | Balls Faced | 4s/6s | Milestones |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Joe Root | 150 | 248 | 14/0 | 38th Test century, 2nd highest Test run-scorer (13,409), 12th century vs India |
| Ben Stokes | 77* | 97 | 3/0 | First fifty since November 2024, retired hurt (cramp), returned to bat |
| Ollie Pope | 71 | – | – | 25th 50+ score, 144-run stand with Root |
| Zak Crawley | 84 | – | – | Solid start, part of 166-run opening stand |
| Ben Duckett | 94 | – | – | Aggressive 94, set platform for England’s dominance |
| Bowler | Overs | Wickets | Economy | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Washington Sundar | – | 2/57 | – | First breakthrough, dismissed Pope and Brook |
| Ravindra Jadeja | – | 2/117 | – | Stumped Root, struggled with consistency |
| Jasprit Bumrah | 28 | 1/95 | 3.39 | Overworked, ankle issue reported |
| Mohammed Siraj | 26 | 1/113 | 4.34 | Fatigued, foot issue, dismissed Woakes |
| Anshul Kamboj | 18 | 1/89 | 4.90 | Debut, below-par pace (125.34 kph), ineffective |
4th Test Day 3 England vs India Recap England’s lead of 186 runs, coupled with a deteriorating pitch showing low bounce, positions them for a potential 3-1 series lead. India’s bowlers, despite late strikes, couldn’t curb England’s momentum, with Shubman Gill’s captaincy drawing scrutiny for delayed spin usage and poor team selection.
Joe Root’s Record-Breaking Day: Chasing Sachin Tendulkar
4th Test Day 3 England vs India Recap Joe Root’s 150 was the heartbeat of England’s dominance, a display of elegance and grit that captivated a sellout Old Trafford crowd. Joe Root vs Sachin Tendulkar Record Chase Starting Day 3 on 11, Root survived early scares—an lbw appeal and a near run-out—before unleashing his trademark tucks, flicks, and drives. His 38th Test century tied him with Kumar Sangakkara for fourth on the all-time list and set a record for the most centuries against India (12), surpassing Steve Smith. Root’s 150 off 248 balls included 14 fours, and his 16th score of 150+ moved him ahead of Ricky Ponting in yet another metric.
Root’s Climb Up the Test Run-Scoring Charts
| Rank | Player | Runs | Tests | Centuries |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sachin Tendulkar | 15,921 | 200 | 51 |
| 2 | Joe Root | 13,409 | 150 | 38 |
| 3 | Ricky Ponting | 13,378 | 168 | 41 |
| 4 | Jacques Kallis | 13,289 | 166 | 45 |
| 5 | Rahul Dravid | 13,288 | 164 | 36 |
4th Test Day 3 England vs India Recap Root’s ascent to No. 2 came when he ticked past Ponting’s 13,378 runs with a boundary off his 178th delivery, earning a standing ovation. His 1,000 Test runs at Old Trafford made him the first to achieve this feat at the venue, a remarkable moment for a Yorkshireman in Manchester. With 2,512 runs needed to catch Tendulkar, Root, at 34, could close the gap in 50-60 Tests if he maintains his form. However, challenges like his lack of an Ashes century in Australia loom large.
“Root’s humility and skill are unmatched. He’s a fabulous batsman and an excellent bloke.” – Ricky Ponting
Root’s partnerships—144 with Pope and 142 with Stokes—were pivotal, showcasing his ability to anchor and accelerate. His dismissal, stumped off Jadeja, came after a tired shot, but not before he’d flipped India’s 133-run lead into a 141-run deficit.
Session-by-Session Match Flow: England’s Tactical Triumph
4th Test Day 3 England vs India Recap England’s dominance unfolded across three sessions, each marked by strategic brilliance and India’s fading resistance. Here’s how Day 3 played out:
Morning Session: Root and Pope’s Unbroken Stand
- Score: England 332/2 at lunch (107 runs, 0 wickets)
- Root and Pope batted through a wicketless session, adding 144 runs for the third wicket.
- Pope reached his 25th 50+ score, while Root notched his 104th from 99 balls.
- India’s bowlers, led by Bumrah (0/30 in the session) and Siraj (0/40), were wayward, with Kamboj’s debut pace (125.34 kph) ineffective.
- Tactical Error: Shubman Gill delayed introducing Sundar until the 69th over, missing a chance to exploit early spin.
Afternoon Session: Sundar’s Brief Fightback
- Score: England 432/4 at tea (100 runs, 2 wickets)
- Sundar struck twice, dismissing Pope (71) and Brook (3), the latter stumped for the first time in Tests.
- Root reached his 38th century, overtaking Ponting at 120 runs, and celebrated modestly amid roaring cheers.
- Stokes joined Root, forming a 142-run stand, but cramped up at 66, retiring hurt.
- India’s new ball, taken in the 91st over, was underutilized, with Bumrah and Siraj fatigued.
Evening Session: England Tighten the Grip
- Score: England 544/7 at stumps (111 runs, 3 wickets)
- Stokes returned to bat, unbeaten on 77*, alongside Dawson (21*).
- Jadeja dismissed Root (150) via a sharp stumping by Jurel, while Bumrah and Siraj removed Smith (caught) and Woakes (bowled).
- Low bounce emerged late, hinting at challenges for India’s second innings.
- India’s over rate lagged, bowling only 89 overs, reflecting their exhaustion.
This session-by-session flow highlights England’s aggressive running and disciplined batting, contrasted with India’s tactical lapses. Gill’s reluctance to use spin early and over-reliance on Bumrah (28 overs) and Siraj (26 overs) left India drained.
India’s Bowling Struggles: Tactical Errors Exposed
4th Test Day 3 England vs India Recap India’s bowling on Day 3 was a tale of missed opportunities and questionable selections. Conceding 544/7, their first 500+ overseas total since 2015, exposed a lack of depth and strategy. Here’s a breakdown:
- Anshul Kamboj’s Debut Woes: Handed his cap by Deep Dasgupta, Kamboj bowled 18 overs for 1/89, averaging 125.34 kph—well below his domestic pace. His selection over Kuldeep Yadav or Prasidh Krishna raised eyebrows, with fans on X questioning India’s choice.
- Bumrah and Siraj Overworked: Bumrah (28 overs, 1/95) and Siraj (26 overs, 1/113) bowled nearly as much as Kamboj and Shardul Thakur (0/55) combined, with reported ankle and foot issues hampering their effectiveness.
- Delayed Spin: Sundar’s breakthroughs (2/57) came too late, with Gill waiting until the 69th over to introduce him. Jadeja (2/117) struggled with consistency but claimed Root’s wicket.
- Fielding Lapses: A missed run-out by Jadeja and a dropped review compounded India’s woes, with Dhruv Jurel’s four dismissals (including three stumpings) a rare highlight.
“Kamboj and Shardul combined to bowl 29 overs, and Bumrah alone bowled 28. Proper bowlers are needed in Test cricket to pick 20 wickets.” – Fan comment on X
India’s preference for batting depth (Shardul over Kuldeep) backfired, leaving their attack toothless on a flat pitch. Morne Morkel’s comments on Kamboj’s pace underscored the need for better selection.
Key Performances: Stokes, Pope, and India’s Bright Spots
4th Test Day 3 England vs India Recap While Root stole the show, other players shaped Day 3’s narrative:
- *Ben Stokes (77)**: Stokes’ first fifty since November 2024 was a gritty affair, with only three boundaries in 97 balls. Retiring hurt at 66 due to cramps, he returned to bat, joining an elite club of England captains with a five-for and fifty in a Test. His leadership and resilience were pivotal.
- Ollie Pope (71): Pope’s steady 71, part of a 144-run stand with Root, showcased his reliability. His dismissal to Sundar, edging to Rahul, was a rare Indian breakthrough.
- India’s Standouts: Sundar (2/57) and Jadeja (2/117) led the bowling, while Jurel’s four dismissals, including Root’s stumping, highlighted his skill as a stand-in keeper for Pant, who was sidelined by a foot injury from Day 1.
Joe Root vs Sachin Tendulkar: Is the Record Within Reach?
4th Test Day 3 England vs India Recap Root’s 13,409 runs place him 2,512 behind Tendulkar’s 15,921, sparking debate about whether he can claim the top spot. Joe Root vs Sachin Tendulkar record chase At 34, Root has played 150 Tests, averaging 50.35, compared to Tendulkar’s 200 Tests and 53.78 average. If Root maintains his current rate (89.39 runs per Test), he could close the gap in 28-30 Tests, potentially by 2028.
Challenges and Opportunities
- Strengths: Root’s consistency (104 fifty-plus scores) and form against India (12 centuries) make him a strong contender.
- Hurdles: His lack of an Ashes century in Australia and the physical toll of Test cricket at 34 could slow his chase.
- Context: Root’s peak came under captaincy stress in 2021, suggesting he thrives under pressure, unlike Tendulkar’s later years.
“Root would already have broken Tendulkar’s record if he’d never been captain.” – Joshua Keeling, The Guardiantheguardian.com
Poll: Will Joe Root surpass Sachin Tendulkar’s Test run record by 2028?
- Yes
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Vote now and share your thoughts in the comments!
Looking Ahead: Day 4 and WTC Implications
4th Test Day 3 England vs India Recap With England at 544/7 and a 186-run lead, Day 4 (July 26, 2025) is critical. The pitch’s low bounce and emerging spin favor England’s bowlers, led by Stokes and Jofra Archer, who took three wickets in India’s first innings. India, trailing 1-2 in the series, face a daunting task to bat out two days for a draw or chase an unlikely win.
- Weather Factor: Cloudy skies are forecast for Saturday, with rain predicted for Sunday, potentially saving India like the 2023 Ashes Test at Old Trafford.timesnownews.com
- WTC Stakes: A 3-1 lead would boost England’s WTC 2025-27 campaign, while India’s 2/8 away Test wins under Gautam Gambhir highlight their struggles.
- India’s Hope: Yashasvi Jaiswal (58 on Day 1) and KL Rahul (46) must anchor the second innings, with Jadeja’s experience (28 fifty-plus scores) crucial.
Fan Reactions: The Pulse on X
4th Test Day 3 England vs India Recap Cricket fans on X were abuzz with Day 3’s drama:
- “Root’s 150 was pure class! Is he the greatest Test batter after Sachin?” – @CricketFan123
- “India’s bowling selection is a mess. Why no Kuldeep? Gill needs to step up!” – @IndianCricketLad
- “Stokes is a warrior! Batting through cramps and leading from the front. #ENGvIND” – @EngCricketLover
These reactions reflect the excitement and frustration, amplifying the match’s stakes. Share your thoughts with #INDvsENG and join the conversation!
Conclusion: A Day That Defined the Series
Day 3 of the 4th Test was a showcase of Joe Root’s brilliance, England’s batting depth, and India’s tactical missteps. Root’s 150, Stokes’ resilience, and Pope’s steadiness have put England in the driver’s seat, with a 186-run lead and a deteriorating pitch. 4th Test Day 3 England vs India Recap India, battling injuries and selection woes, face an uphill task to save the match and keep their WTC hopes alive. Will Root’s record chase continue to dominate headlines, or can India’s batters pull off a miracle? Follow IPL Star for Day 4 updates, and share your predictions below!
FAQs: England vs India 4th Test Day 3 Recap and Highlights
1. What happened on Day 3 of the 4th Test England vs India in 2025?
4th Test Day 3 England vs India Recap On Day 3 of the 4th Test at Old Trafford (July 25, 2025), England dominated, reaching 544/7 for a 186-run lead over India’s 358. Joe Root’s 150, with partnerships of 144 with Ollie Pope (71) and 142 with Ben Stokes (77*), was the highlight. India’s bowlers, including debutant Anshul Kamboj (1/89), struggled, conceding their first 500+ overseas total since 2015.
2. How did Joe Root perform in the 4th Test Day 3 against India?
4th Test Day 3 England vs India Recap Joe Root scored a masterful 150 off 248 balls, with 14 fours, propelling England to 544/7. Joe Root 150 4th Test analysis His 38th Test century moved him to No. 2 on the all-time Test run-scorers list (13,409 runs), surpassing Rahul Dravid, Jacques Kallis, and Ricky Ponting. He also set a record for most centuries against India (12).
3. Can Joe Root break Sachin Tendulkar’s Test run record?
4th Test Day 3 England vs India Recap Root’s 13,409 runs are 2,512 behind Tendulkar’s 15,921. At 34, with 150 Tests played, Root could close the gap in 50-60 Tests if he maintains his 89.39 runs per Test average. Joe Root vs Sachin Tendulkar Record Chase His consistency (104 fifty-plus scores) makes it feasible, though an Ashes century in Australia remains a challenge.
4. Why did India’s bowling struggle on Day 3 of the 4th Test?
4th Test Day 3 England vs India Recap India’s bowling lacked depth, conceding 544/7. Anshul Kamboj’s debut (1/89, 125.34 kph) was ineffective, and Shardul Thakur (0/55) offered no threat. Over-reliance on Jasprit Bumrah (1/95) and Mohammed Siraj (1/113), both fatigued and injured, exposed tactical errors, including delayed spin usage.
5. What were the key highlights of England vs India 4th Test Day 3?
4th Test Day 3 England vs India Recap Key highlights included Root’s 150, Stokes’ gritty 77* despite cramps, and Pope’s 71. England’s 144-run and 142-run partnerships, Washington Sundar’s double strike (2/57), and Dhruv Jurel’s four dismissals stood out. England’s 186-run lead solidified their control.
6. How did Ben Stokes contribute on Day 3 of the 4th Test?
4th Test Day 3 England vs India Recap Ben Stokes scored an unbeaten 77* off 97 balls, his first fifty since November 2024, despite retiring hurt due to cramps. He returned to bat, joining an elite group of England captains with a five-for and fifty in a Test, bolstering England’s dominance.
7. What was the match flow on Day 3 of the 4th Test?
4th Test Day 3 England vs India Recap England started at 225/2, reaching 332/2 at lunch (Root-Pope stand), 432/4 at tea (Root’s century, Sundar’s wickets), and 544/7 at stumps. They added 319 runs, with India’s bowlers ineffective and fielding lapses, like a missed run-out, hurting their cause.
8. Why was Anshul Kamboj’s debut criticized in the 4th Test?
4th Test Day 3 England vs India Recap Kamboj’s debut yielded 1/89 in 18 overs, with a low average pace of 125.34 kph, far below his domestic 135+ kph. His selection over Kuldeep Yadav and inability to maintain off-stump consistency drew scrutiny, with fans on X questioning India’s strategy.
9. How does Day 3 impact the 2025-27 World Test Championship?
4th Test Day 3 England vs India Recap England’s 186-run lead positions them for a 3-1 series lead, boosting their WTC 2025-27 standing. India, with only 2/8 away Test wins under Gautam Gambhir, face a tough battle to draw or win, critical for their WTC hopes.
10. What are the chances of India saving the 4th Test on Day 4?
4th Test Day 3 England vs India Recap India need a strong batting effort from Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul to bat out Day 4 for a draw, with rain forecast for July 27, 2025, offering hope. England’s spinners and a deteriorating pitch make an innings victory possible, leaving India in a precarious spot.