Gill and Rahul Steady India After Stokes' Old Trafford Century

Old Trafford witnessed a day of contrasting fortunes and remarkable resilience as India’s captain Shubman Gill and opener KL Rahul engineered a crucial fightback, steering their side to a position of relative safety in the fourth Test against England. Earlier in the day, Ben Stokes had emphatically ended his century drought, crafting a masterful innings that had put England firmly in the driver's seat and threatened to derail India's aspirations in this pivotal series.

Under immense pressure, with the English bowlers sniffing blood after a strong first innings total, Gill and Rahul showcased a blend of composure and calculated aggression. The pair forged an unbroken 174-run partnership for the third wicket, transforming a precarious situation into one of quiet confidence for the touring side. Rahul, the more established opener, played with characteristic solidity, reaching his half-century with a mix of deft deflections and powerful drives. His experience proved invaluable in weathering the early storm. Gill, leading from the front, displayed the elegant strokeplay he is known for, piercing gaps with precision and showing maturity beyond his years as captain. His own fifty was a testament to his growing stature in the Test arena, combining watchful defence with opportune scoring shots.