England skipper Ben Stokes finally broke KL Rahul’s resistance on Day 5 of the ongoing Manchester Test, bringing an end to a 188-run stand with Shubman Gill. The dismissal occurred on Sunday, July 27, during the 71st over of India’s second innings, also the seventh over of the final day.
Stokes delivered a sharp nip-backer that stayed low and struck Rahul flush on the back pad in front of the stumps. The Indian wicketkeeper-batter, who had shown immense patience throughout his innings, fell for 90 off 230 balls, including eight boundaries.
The decision was straightforward, and Rahul chose not to review it, walking off immediately. Replays confirmed the ball would have hit middle stump. Stokes celebrated instantly, confident in the appeal even before the umpire’s verdict. Ironically, the breakthrough came just after England had exhausted all their reviews.
You can watch the video here:
Making. Things. Happen.
Ben Stokes gets one to jag back, stay low and KL Rahul is gone for 90.
🇮🇳 1️⃣8️⃣8️⃣-3️⃣ pic.twitter.com/PbPw1CEFn7
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) July 27, 2025
During his innings, KL Rahul reached the milestone of 500 runs in the series, becoming only the second Indian opener after legendary captain Sunil Gavaskar (in 1979) to achieve the feat in England. Although Ben Stokes didn’t bowl on Day 4, he had already made a major impact by claiming five wickets in India’s first innings, where they were bowled out for 358.
The England captain also played a crucial role with the bat, scoring a commanding 141 as the hosts posted a massive 669, securing a dominant 311-run lead. The star all-rounder looks to guide England to a series triumph, with the hosts leading 2-1 and aiming to wrap up the final Test.
Gill And Rahul’s Stand Revives India’s Hopes In 4th Test
Shubman Gill and KL Rahul stitched together a vital third-wicket partnership that has kept India’s hopes alive in the Test series against England. Their 188-run stand came in response to a disastrous start, with both Yashasvi Jaiswal and Sai Sudharsan dismissed for ducks in the very first over.
At the time of reporting, India were 191 for 3, with Gill unbeaten on 90 and Washington Sundar on 2. The visitors still trail England by 120 runs, with around 81 overs remaining in the match.
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