As the much-anticipated contest of England against India progressed to its fourth phase at Manchester’s Old Trafford on July 23, 2025, cricket enthusiasts witnessed a captivating face-off characterized by oscillating fortunes and stellar individual efforts. England, having asserted their dominance on the second day with an impressive batting display, appeared poised to eclipse India’s initial innings tally of 358 as play recommenced on the third day. The initial hours belonged primarily to the home side, predominantly due to the staunch alliance formed by Joe Root and Ollie Pope. However, just as England seemed on the cusp of seizing complete command, Washington Sundar conjured a moment of brilliance that rekindled India’s aspirations.
Washongton Sundar finds the breakthrough as KL Rahul grabs a spectacular catch to dismiss Ollie Pope
England commenced the third day at 225/2, trailing by 133, and promptly adopted an aggressive stance under favorable weather conditions. The groundwork laid by Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett enabled Pope and Root to construct their partnership methodically, balancing caution with aggression. India’s bowling unit, lacking the cutting edge, found it challenging to manufacture opportunities. Even minor openings—such as a missed run-out attempt and a spilled chance involving Pope—went unexploited, intensifying India’s frustrations.
By the lunch interval, both Pope and Root had effortlessly surpassed their half-centuries, with their third-wicket partnership surpassing 130 runs. England comfortably exceeded 300, accumulating 107 runs in the session without losing a wicket and reducing India’s deficit to a mere 26 runs by the intermission. Root, in characteristic fashion, not only augmented the overall score but also achieved a personal milestone, emerging as the foremost batter to amass 1,000 Test runs at Old Trafford and ascending to the third position on the list of all-time leading run-scorers at the venue.
However, the narrative underwent a transformation early in the subsequent session. With the score at 341/2, India was in dire need of inspiration, which arrived in the form of Washington Sundar. Anticipating the availability of the second new ball, Sundar skillfully utilized drift to deceive Pope into playing a rash stroke—flicking at a delivery on the off-stump line, resulting in a faint edge that carried to KL Rahul at slip, who secured the catch flawlessly. Pope’s composed innings of 71 from 128 deliveries came to an end, disrupting England’s momentum and providing India with a crucial opening when it was most needed.
Here’s the video:
#WashingtonSundar to the rescue! 😎
A timely breakthrough as he dismisses the well-set #OlliePope.#ENGvIND 👉 4th TEST, DAY 3 | LIVE NOW on JioHotstar 👉 pic.twitter.com/uieVv9b4Hp
— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) July 25, 2025
India’s resilience after Lunch makes way for a comeback against England
The impact of Sundar’s dismissal was immediately palpable. England’s apparent domination had threatened to overshadow any prospect of an Indian resurgence, but Pope’s departure ignited a spark. The bowling attack capitalized on this opportunity: Sundar struck once more shortly thereafter, dismissing Harry Brook, as India reclaimed crucial ground.
The momentum of the match underwent a noticeable alteration. England, once in command, found themselves navigating more challenging waters as wickets began to tumble. With the introduction of the new ball and the deficit reduced to single digits, India tightened their lines and amplified their intensity. The bowlers eventually discovered their rhythm and applied pressure, reversing the prolonged period of toil and disappointment. The atmosphere, both within the dressing room and among the supporters, underwent a transformation: from a sense of resignation to one of renewed hope.
Upon Brook’s dismissal, England stood at 349/4 after 80.1 overs, trailing by a mere 9 runs, yet the psychological advantage had shifted. Root remained undefeated, but the overall complexion of the contest had been fundamentally altered by Sundar’s pivotal breakthrough. India, having struggled in the field for an extended duration, now had a foothold in the match.
