Experts Predict England's Edge on Final Day of 4th Test Against India

As the fourth Test match between England and India heads into its final day at Old Trafford, Manchester, the hosts appear to hold a significant advantage, according to several cricket analysts. Despite a commendable fightback from India's Shubman Gill and KL Rahul, former England captain Michael Vaughan and ex-India wicketkeeper Dinesh Karthik believe England remains the favorite to secure victory.

At the conclusion of Day 4, India stood at 174/2, still trailing by 137 runs in pursuit of England's imposing total of 669. Rain is anticipated to influence the final day's play, but both Vaughan and Karthik expressed confidence in England's ability to clinch the match if conditions allow.

Vaughan, speaking on the sports platform Cricbuzz, stated, "My crystal ball's not been working this week. The weather's been confusing me in Manchester. But I still think England are going to win the game. If England get one, they'll make it very, very difficult for the Indian batters." Karthik concurred, adding, "I also feel if there's going to be a full day of play, England will have a better chance of winning."

India's innings began dramatically with Chris Woakes dismissing both Yashasvi Jaiswal and Sai Sudharsan for ducks in the opening over. However, the partnership between Gill, who scored an unbeaten 78, and Rahul, who contributed 87, restored hope for the visitors, showcasing resilience against a formidable English bowling attack. Their 174-run partnership not only steadied the innings but also provided a glimmer of hope for India, which is aiming to rewrite history in this gripping Test series.

The match's outcome now hinges on the weather and the ability of India's batsmen to withstand the pressure. Should the rain permit a full day's play, England will be eager to capitalize on any opportunities to dismiss key Indian players, including the promising duo of Gill and Rahul. As this intense match unfolds, cricket enthusiasts worldwide are keenly awaiting the conclusion to see if India can defy the odds and secure an improbable draw or if England will emerge victorious.

The stakes are high, and the final day promises to deliver an exhilarating finish, underscoring the unpredictable nature of Test cricket. Both teams have everything to play for, and the outcome will significantly impact the ongoing series dynamics.