[WATCH] ENG vs IND 2025: Chris Woakes’ double blow rocks India in Manchester

England pacer Chris Woakes bowled a brilliant opening over in India’s second innings, taking two quick wickets to put the hosts in command on Day 4 of the fourth Test at Old Trafford, Manchester. Earlier, England produced a massive total of 669 to take a dominating 311-run advantage against India.

With only 15 minutes until lunch, Indian openers Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul stepped out to bat.

Chris Woakes led the attack, bowling full from around the wicket.

His first breakthrough occurred when he hit the outer edge of Jaiswal’s bat by closing the face too early while remaining in the crease. Joe Root, stationed at first slip, initially botched the simple catch but recovered to snag it on the second attempt, sending Jaiswal back to the pavilion for a duck.

Sai Sudharsan was the next to come in, falling on the fifth ball of the over. Woakes delivered a short-of-a-length delivery outside the stump, which should have posed little threat. However, Sudharsan was torn between playing and leaving. He ultimately hung his bat out and attempted to retreat, but it was too late; the ball made contact with the bat and went to Harry Brook at second slip, and India had lost two wickets in the first over.

Chris Woakes! 🔥

A heart-in-mouth moment for Joe Root who nearly fumbles… but the man of the hour holds on and we have our first!

🇮🇳 0️⃣-1️⃣ pic.twitter.com/Z0EMNiAMSt

— England Cricket (@englandcricket) July 26, 2025

TWO IN TWO!

Nicked straight to Harry Brook. WHAT A START! 🤯

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— England Cricket (@englandcricket) July 26, 2025

The captain Shubman Gill then came to face the final delivery of the over. Woakes’ delivery struck him on the pad, but it was drifting down the leg side. The over ended as a double-wicket maiden, leaving India rattled early in their second innings.

Earlier in the day, Ben Stokes led England’s charge with a commanding 141, bringing up a personal milestone by crossing 7000 runs in Test cricket. He was well-supported by Brydon Carse and Liam Dawson, helping England to a formidable first-innings total.