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England got two early breakthroughs as Chris Woakes struck twice in first over to dismiss Yashasvi Jaiswal and Sai Sudharsan. But, KL Rahul and captain Shubman Gill helped India recover and frustrate England bowlers as the ball got softer. England still have a 137-run lead in the bank but they need to take eight wickets on Day 5 to have a chance of winning the Test and take an unassailable lead in the series. That makes Ben Stokes' role crucial as a bowler. After Day 4's play, England assistant coach Marcus Trescothick is hoping that Stokes bowls and pointed at his increased workload.
“We’re hoping so,” Trescothick said. “He’s stiff and sore. The workload has been heavy, more than he’s ever done in a series.”
Stokes suffered a cramp while batting on Day 3 during England's first innings. He went off the field but returned to bat later. India faced 63 overs on Day 4 but Stokes did not bowl a single over. Trescothick wants Stokes to stay on the field whether he bowls or not.
“We’re monitoring it. A managed Stokes is better than no Stokes. He’s staying on the field, captain or not, we need him,” he added.
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There is a possibility that Stokes may not bowl on Day 5 as well. While Trescothick feels it will put pressure on other bowlers, he sees it as an opportunity for them as well. He said that Joe Root may have to chip in with a few overs as well.
“Of course it’s a blow. You lose anyone from a four or five-man attack and it puts more pressure on the others. We might see Root bowl more. But we’ve done it before, played with three seamers and a spinner. The rest have to step up,” the former England opener said.
Trescothick on Stokes' ton
Trescothick lauded Stokes for his 141-run knock. He batted with the tail and helped hosts extend the lead to a point where a win for India is nearly out of question.
“I’d say it was his most fluent since the West Indies knock. He looked back to himself this morning. It’s been coming, he’s been desperate to contribute like this. With others chipping in, he wanted to make his mark too,” he said.
Stokes' mighty double
Stokes scripted history in Manchester as he became the fifth captain in the history of Test cricket to take a five-wicket haul and score a century. Also, he is fourth England cricketer to achieve the feat.
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