Day one of the fourth Test between England and India at Old Trafford served up a compelling blend of solid cricket and unexpected drama, leaving the match finely poised. India ended the day on 264/4, but the narrative was far more nuanced than the scorecard suggests.
After England won the toss and put India in to bat under gloomy skies, the Indian openers, Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul, provided a sturdy foundation. The duo put on a 94-run partnership, their highest of the series thus far, blunting the new ball and displaying a newfound resilience. Jaiswal, in particular, seemed determined to correct his previous dismissals at Lord's, playing with restraint and focusing on leaving the ball well. Rahul also looked assured, reaching the milestone of 1000 Test runs in England.
However, the introduction of Chris Woakes brought about a shift in momentum. Woakes induced an edge from Rahul, breaking the opening partnership and giving England a crucial breakthrough. Shortly after, Liam Dawson, playing his first Test in eight years, struck with his seventh ball, dismissing Jaiswal.
Sai Sudharsan, making his debut in place of Karun Nair, then joined Shubman Gill at the crease. Sudharsan displayed remarkable composure for a debutant, weathering the pressure and building a steady innings. He was dropped early in his innings but capitalized on the opportunity, reaching his maiden Test half-century. Gill, however, fell cheaply, trapped lbw by Ben Stokes.
The most dramatic moment of the day arrived with the entrance of Rishabh Pant. Pant, known for his aggressive and unpredictable style, injected a healthy dose of chaos into the proceedings. He struck 37 runs off 47 balls, with his trademark audacious sweeps and charges unsettling the English bowlers. Just as he was looking set for a substantial score, Pant attempted a reverse sweep against a Chris Woakes yorker and was struck on the foot. The blow was severe enough to force him to retire hurt and be taken off the field, casting a shadow of concern over the Indian camp.
Following Pant's unfortunate injury, Sudharsan continued to hold firm, but he eventually succumbed to a short ball from Stokes, pulling it straight to fine leg. With the light fading, Ravindra Jadeja and Shardul Thakur saw out the remaining overs, ensuring India reached stumps with four wickets down.
England's bowlers toiled hard, with Stokes and Woakes picking up wickets. However, they were unable to fully capitalize on favorable conditions, partly due to a slow pitch that offered little bounce.
As play ended early due to bad light, the match hangs in the balance. India will be hoping that Pant's injury is not serious and that their lower order can build on the platform set by the top order. England, on the other hand, will be aiming to exploit the second new ball and quickly wrap up the Indian innings on the second day.
