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TimesofIndia.com in Manchester: England batting coach Marcus Trescothick is hopeful captain Ben Stokes will be fit to bowl on Day 5 of the fourth Test at Old Trafford. Speaking after stumps on Saturday, Trescothick said Stokes’ absence from the bowling attack on Day 4 was a result of the cramp he suffered on Friday and the workload he’s managed across the match. “It is just a build-up from the workload and the cramps yesterday,” Trescothick explained. “We are hoping he will be back to bowling tomorrow. We will see what he is like in the morning.”
Stokes had earlier made a massive impact with the bat, scoring a superb 141 to help England post 669. That came after his five-wicket haul in India’s first innings, underlining once again his unmatched value to this England team. But with India staging a remarkable fightback through KL Rahul and Shubman Gill, England will likely need their captain to contribute with the ball again if they are to take the remaining eight wickets and wrap up the series.
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The visitors were reeling at 1 for 2 at lunch but recovered well to end Day 4 on 174 for 2, still trailing by 137 runs. The calm resistance from Rahul and Gill has set up a fascinating final day.With a series-leading 16 wickets, Stokes may need to join the attack if the hosts are to dismiss India in time to claim victory. As the leading wicket-taker of the series, England will once again need their captain to step up on the final day, especially if they are to seal the series without going to The Oval.
