The final day of the Manchester Test between England and India began with the visitors firmly hoping their overnight batters—Shubman Gill and KL Rahul—could build on their steady partnership and take India closer to safety or a potential draw. However, England skipper Ben Stokes had other ideas. Despite not being at full fitness, the all-rounder made an immediate impact by dismissing Rahul for 90 early in the day. The wicket broke the backbone of India’s resistance and set the tone for an intense final day.
Pumped-up Ben Stokes unleashes animated celebration after removing KL Rahul
It was the second ball of the 71st over when Stokes delivered a low-keeping delivery that trapped Rahul plumb in front of the stumps. Rahul, who had looked immovable at the crease, was undone by the uneven bounce and chose not to review the decision. The moment the finger went up, Stokes erupted in a pumped-up celebration—jumping, roaring, and fist-pumping with pure emotion. It was a signature Stokes moment, filled with grit, passion, and match-defining impact.
Here’s the video:
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
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Record partnership ends in drama
The dismissal of Rahul also brought an end to a historic 417-ball partnership between him and Gill. This stand is now the longest for India in terms of balls faced in England in the 21st century. It eclipsed the efforts of Rahul Dravid and Sanjay Bangar (170-run stand in 405 balls) and Sachin Tendulkar and Sourav Ganguly (249-run stand in 357 balls), both from India’s famous 2002 Headingley win. Despite the end of the record stand, it showcased the immense fight and application from the Indian batters before Stokes turned the tide.
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