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Rishabh Pant Injury Overshadows India’s Strong Start on Day 1 at Old Trafford
India Post 264/4 Despite Late Blow to Pant
The opening day of the fourth Test between India and England at Old Trafford, Manchester, delivered an engaging mix of batting partnerships, incisive bowling spells, and an unfortunate injury to star wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant. India closed the day at 264/4 after promising fifties from Yashasvi Jaiswal and debutant Sai Sudharsan, but Pant’s foot injury in the final session left the visitors concerned going into Day 2.
Ben Stokes Wins Toss Again; England Bowl First
England skipper Ben Stokes continued his toss-winning streak, electing to bowl under overcast skies in Manchester. England brought Liam Dawson into the XI, replacing Shoaib Bashir, while India made three changesтАФShardul Thakur and Sai Sudharsan were drafted in, and young Anshul Khamboj received his maiden Test cap.
Steady Indian Start Despite Early Pressure
Jaiswal and Rahul Lay a Solid Foundation
Chris Woakes tested Yashasvi Jaiswal in the very first over, twice finding his edge, though both chances fell short of the slip cordon. Jofra Archer and Brydon Carse bowled with discipline, but the Indian openers gradually shifted momentum in their favor with controlled aggression. Jaiswal was particularly impressive, recovering from a broken bat handle inflicted by Woakes to strike boundaries off Stokes and even launching a six over point to wrap up the session at 94/0.
England Hit Back in the Second Session
Post-lunch, England executed a well-planned comeback. KL Rahul fell for 46, edging Woakes to third slip, breaking IndiaтАЩs highest opening stand of the series. Jaiswal soon followed after reaching his fifty and crossing the 1000-run mark in Tests against EnglandтАФbecoming the joint second-fastest Indian to do soтАФedging Liam Dawson to the slips.
Shubman Gill looked to rebuild but misjudged a delivery from Stokes and was trapped lbw for 12, leaving India at 149/3 at Tea. Despite early jitters, Sai Sudharsan showed resilience, partnering with Rishabh Pant to guide India to safety by the session’s end.
Pant, Sudharsan Rebuild but Injury Strikes
PantтАЩs Counterattack and SudharsanтАЩs Composure
The third session saw England deploy short-pitched bowling against Sudharsan, but the debutant handled the heat with elegance, pulling Archer for boundaries. Rishabh Pant counterattacked, sweeping Archer and lofting Carse for a six, marking 1000 Test runs in England.
The pair took their stand past 50, pushing India beyond the 200-run mark. However, Pant showed visible discomfort in his right foot after being struck, eventually requiring assistance off the fieldтАФa major concern for the visitors.
Sudharsan went on to complete a well-crafted half-century with a cover drive off Joe Root. Ravindra Jadeja and Sudharsan added a few more boundaries before the latter top-edged a short ball from Stokes to fine legтАФhis third dismissal to the England captain in the series.
India’s Resilience in Fading Light
Shardul Thakur, sent ahead of Washington Sundar, struck a boundary to get going. Jadeja, noticing dimming light, alerted the umpires just as England persisted with spin bowling even with the second new ball available. Dawson was punished with a four by Jadeja before the umpires called Stumps due to poor light.
India scored 115 runs in the final session but were left with a big question: Will Pant be fit to continue in the match?
Match Summary at Stumps тАУ Day 1
India: 264/4 (Sai Sudharsan 61, Yashasvi Jaiswal 58, KL Rahul 46; Ben Stokes 2-47, Chris Woakes 1-43, Liam Dawson 1-45)
England yet to bat
For historical context on India’s previous Test performances in England, check out this detailed record of India vs England Test history.
India’s Plans and Pant’s Fitness
Going into Day 2, India will aim to convert their solid platform into a commanding first-innings total. The spotlight, however, will be on the fitness of Rishabh Pant. His ability to continue could influence IndiaтАЩs batting depth and their wicketkeeping strategy for the remainder of the Test.
With Jadeja and Thakur at the crease, followed by Washington Sundar and the lower order, India will look to push towards 400, weather permitting.
For a breakdown of the series so far and insights into IndiaтАЩs squad strategy, read our in-depth India vs England series tracker.
