England remain optimistic that Ben Stokes will recover in time to bowl them to victory after India’s strong resistance on day four of the Manchester Test. KL Rahul and Shubman Gill forged a resilient 174-run stand for the third wicket, taking advantage of Stokes’ absence from the attack due to stiffness and soreness. The England all-rounder, their leading wicket-taker in the series, was unable to bowl in the first 63 overs of India’s second innings.
Rahul and Gill countered early setbacks and looked untroubled for two full sessions. England’s bowlers found little joy once the ball softened, and apart from a dropped chance by Liam Dawson, they were unable to break through. Stokes’ ability to reverse momentum with the old ball was sorely missed.
Stokes has endured a demanding summer following hamstring surgery earlier this year. He’s bowled a personal record 129 overs in this series and suffered cramp on day three before returning to hit a century on day four. Marcus Trescothick, England’s assistant coach, said Stokes was “stiff and sore” and receiving intensive physiotherapy overnight, but the team was hopeful he could bowl on the fifth day.
Though he was seen clutching his hamstring, concerns were played down as signs of general fatigue from his heavy workload. He bowled over 40 overs in the previous two games and needed several days of recovery after England’s Lord’s victory last week.
Trescothick clarified that the team had intentionally avoided using Stokes on day four to manage his condition and ensure eligibility to bowl on the final day. His brief presence on the field, despite discomfort, was crucial in maintaining that opportunity.
Stokes will sit out The Hundred next month and has not featured in white-ball cricket since 2022, leaving a gap before England’s Ashes campaign in November. Former captain Michael Vaughan emphasized Stokes’ irreplaceable value, saying England’s success in Australia hinges on his fitness. “Without him as an all-rounder, the dynamic of the team changes significantly,” Vaughan remarked.
England now await Stokes’ recovery in hope of a final-day push for victory, conscious that his presence could make all the difference.