Manchester, July 23, 2025 – India finished Day 1 of the fourth Test at Old Trafford on 264/4 after getting sent in by England captain Ben Stokes. The batting lineup put together steady partnerships despite overcast skies and a pitch offering little help to bowlers. The day’s most dramatic moment came late, as Rishabh Pant retired hurt with a serious foot injury, leaving India to regroup around a solid core at stumps.
Match Progress & Major Events
- Openers Jaiswal and Rahul started with a 94-run partnership, setting a strong foundation.
- Jaiswal top-scored early, while Rahul fell to Woakes just before lunch.
- Sai Sudharsan impressed in his first Test fifty, combining with Pant for a crucial partnership.
- The turning point came when Pant, batting on 37, was hit on his right foot by a Chris Woakes delivery while attempting a reverse sweep. He was attended by medics and left the field in visible pain, later taken for scans.
- Shubman Gill (12) and Sai Sudharsan (61) fell in the second and third sessions, allowing England to claw back some control as Ben Stokes took important wickets.
- Ravindra Jadeja and Shardul Thakur saw out the remainder of the day, ensuring India did not lose further wickets just before stumps.
England’s Bowling
- Ben Stokes: 2 wickets for 47 runs
- Chris Woakes: 1 wicket for 43 runs
- Liam Dawson: 1 wicket for 44 runs
Series and Situation
- England leads the series 2-1, making this Test crucial for India’s hopes to level things up.
- Weather permitting, play resumes with India hoping for a 350+ total and clarity on Pant’s condition.
