India closed out Day 1 of the fourth Test at Old Trafford on 264/4 — a scoreline that speaks to both grit and uncertainty in equal measure. While the visitors laid a strong foundation in tough conditions, the mood was tempered by a worrying injury to Rishabh Pant, who had to be taken off the field after a painful blow to the foot.
Put in to bat under heavy Manchester skies, India’s openers — Yashasvi Jaiswal (58) and KL Rahul (46) — shrugged off the early movement to post a confident 94-run stand, their best of the series so far. Jaiswal’s classy half-century was laced with authority and maturity, making him the first Indian opener to score 50+ at Old Trafford since Sunil Gavaskar in 1974. Rahul, meanwhile, reached a personal milestone of 1,000 Test runs in England, showing intent even as England’s pace battery searched for early breakthroughs.
With regular middle-order batters failing to convert, it was debutant Sai Sudharsan who anchored the innings. His 61 off 101 balls showcased temperament well beyond his years — adjusting to the slow pitch, fending off Archer’s pace, and resisting England’s short-ball ploy. Despite being handed a life when Jamie Smith dropped a sitter down the leg side, Sudharsan capitalised and brought up a maiden Test half-century with flair. His knock was especially timely after a quick collapse saw Jaiswal, Rahul, and Gill dismissed in succession — with Ben Stokes (2/47) once again turning the tide after lunch.
Just as India looked to regain momentum, Rishabh Pant — who had already crossed 1,000 Test runs in England — looked in ominous touch. A one-handed sweep, a reverse lap, and a clean six off Carse had fans expecting fireworks. But tragedy struck in the 65th over when a mistimed reverse sweep off Woakes crashed into his right foot. Pant collapsed in agony, blood was visible, and after a lengthy delay, he was taken off the field on a golf cart for immediate medical attention. Initial reports suggest swelling and significant bruising — a major concern going forward in the match and series.
With Pant retired hurt, Ravindra Jadeja (19*) and Shardul Thakur (19*) showed resilience in the fading light to see India safely to stumps. The final session saw repeated light meter checks, and play was eventually called off due to bad light just after 6 pm local time. England’s bowlers worked hard — Woakes, Stokes, and Liam Dawson (playing his first Test in over 8 years) all grabbed wickets, but the surface didn’t offer much help. The slow pace of the pitch and softening ball allowed India to stay competitive.
Day 1 Summary at a Glance:
India 264/4 at stumps
Top scorers: Sudharsan 61, Jaiswal 58, Rahul 46
England bowlers: Stokes 2/47, Woakes 1/43, Dawson 1/37
Big moment: Rishabh Pant retires hurt after being struck on the foot
At the crease: Jadeja 19*, Thakur 19*
Missed chances: Smith drops Sudharsan on 36
Milestones: Pant, Jaiswal, Rahul all cross 1,000 Test runs in England
All Eyes on Pant
As India look to build a substantial first-innings total, all eyes will be on Rishabh Pant’s injury update. His return to the crease — or lack thereof — could be pivotal. Day 2 beckons with the promise of more drama in a series that refuses to settle.