With their backs against the wall, KL Rahul and India skipper Shubman Gill showed exemplary grit, determination, and character to take the ongoing fourth Manchester Test against England to the fifth day, which looked highly unlikely after the lunch session. The visitors were off to a worst possible start as they lost opener Yashasvi Jaiswal and Sai Sudarshan for ducks in the first over itself, with the visitors trailing by a huge 361 runs.
However, Gill and Rahul batted maturely and did not lose wickets for two sessions on Day four. The duo mixed caution with aggression and won the hearts of a lot of fans at the Manchester ground. For 63 overs, they denied England bowlers a single wicket after losing two quick wickets. It was fitting that India's two best batters in the series stood tall and lived another day to fight.
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The hosts tried every possible way to stop Shubman Gill and KL Rahul from scoring briskly, but failed to dislodge the patience of the two batters. However, it is just a small victory for India, as they still trail by over 100 runs heading into Day five. While the duo denied England a win today itself, it is to be seen if they show the same amount of patience, character, and determination tomorrow as well and salvage a draw.
Shubman Gill & KL Rahul key as India aims for a draw on the fifth day
Speaking about Day Four, England added some quick runs as Stokes reached his 14th Test century. Carse also scored a quick-fire 47 as England scored a huge total of 669 on the back of Root's and Stokes' ton. In reply, Chris Woakes managed to dismiss two batters early, but since then, India have fought valiantly as they have done throughout the series so far. Gill and Rahul will be the key batters on Day five as India will be aiming for a draw.
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