Team India ended Day 1 of the fourth Test against England on a strong note, reaching 264 for 4 at stumps at Old Trafford, Manchester. The visitors displayed composure and resilience after being asked to bat first on a lively surface.

England failed to break through in the first session as the opening session went wicketless for the hosts. Openers Yashasvi Jaiswal (58) and KL Rahul (46) gave India a fiery start, continuing their red-hot form.

Solid start from openers 

India started strongly with a 94-run partnership between Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul. However, things took a turn as they suddenly slipped to 140/3, with Ben Stokes once again making a crucial impact.  Shubman Gill was expected to anchor the innings in the middle overs but he failed again, returning back to the pavilion for just 12 runs.

Making his mark, Sai Sudharsan recorded his maiden Test half-century and looked calm and confident at the crease, especially after surviving an early life in his innings.

Rishabh Pant injured again!

His partnership with Rishabh Pant was beginning to put India in a commanding position, but just as the momentum was building, disaster struck. Pant suffered a painful blow to his foot and had to be taken off the field in a medical cart, halting India’s progress at a critical juncture.

The duo of Ravindra Jadeja (19) and Shardul Thakur (19) chipped in with useful contributions, frustrating the English bowling attack with their patient approach.

England tried multiple bowling combinations but struggled to extract consistent movement or breakthroughs after the initial session. With Thakur and Jadeja still at the crease, India will look to build a big first-innings total on Day 2 and take control of the match.

India might effectively be five wickets down, considering the severity of the swelling on Rishabh Pant’s foot. He was visibly in extreme pain, limping heavily and unable to stand upright. The sight of him writhing in agony was concerning, suggesting a serious blow. With the second new ball set to be available first thing tomorrow, the lower order will face a stiff challenge right away on Day 2.