India Fights Back on Day 1 at Old Trafford: Solid Start Despite Setback

India put up a strong show on the first day of the fourth Test against England at Old Trafford in Manchester. With the series at 1-2 in England's favour, the visitors needed a good start, and they got one by reaching 264 for 4 at stumps. The day had its ups and downs, with steady batting from the top order and some key wickets for England. Rain was expected, but the weather held up, allowing a full day's play under cloudy skies.

Toss and Team Changes

England captain Ben Stokes won the toss and chose to bowl first, hoping to use the overcast conditions and some grass on the pitch. He felt the weather would help his fast bowlers early on. This was the fourth toss in a row that India lost, putting them on the back foot right away.

India made a few changes due to injuries. Nitish Kumar Reddy was out with a knee problem, Akash Deep had a groin issue, and Arshdeep Singh was also unavailable. Young pacer Anshul Kamboj made his Test debut, while Sai Sudharsan and Shardul Thakur came into the side. Karun Nair was dropped.

Here are the playing XIs:

• India: Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Sai Sudharsan, Shubman Gill (c), Rishabh Pant (w), Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, Shardul Thakur, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Anshul Kamboj.

• England: Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes (c), Jamie Smith (w), Liam Dawson, Chris Woakes, Brydon Carse, Jofra Archer.

England brought back spinner Liam Dawson after eight years, replacing the injured Shoaib Bashir.

Morning Session: Strong Openers Set the Tone

The first session belonged to India as openers Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul batted through without losing a wicket. England started with Chris Woakes and Jofra Archer, but the Indian pair handled the new ball well under the clouds. Rahul looked calm, while Jaiswal played some bold shots, including a ramp for four and an upper cut for six off Ben Stokes.

By lunch, India were 78 for no loss after 26 overs. Jaiswal was on 42, and Rahul on 34. The bowlers got some swing, but no edges or big chances came their way. A fun moment was when Jaiswal's bat broke on a Woakes in-swinger, but he carried on. This was India's first wicketless first session on day one since a Test in 2023.

Afternoon Session: Wickets Tumble After Steady Start

After lunch, the openers kept going and reached 94 before the first wicket fell. Rahul was caught at slip off Woakes for 46, ending a solid stand. Jaiswal soon followed, caught off Dawson for 58 after a fine knock with 10 fours and a six.

Captain Shubman Gill came in but didn't last long, trapped lbw by Stokes for 12. At tea, India were 149 for 3, with Sai Sudharsan on 38 not out and Rishabh Pant on 15. Sudharsan looked steady on his return, and Pant started to attack. England picked up pace with Dawson and Stokes getting breakthroughs.

Evening Session: India Builds but Loses Key Wicket

The final session saw India push on, thanks to a good stand between Sudharsan and Pant. Sudharsan reached his fifty and scored 61 before being caught off Stokes. The pair added 95 runs, taking India past 200.

Ravindra Jadeja and Shardul Thakur then steadied things, both unbeaten on 19 at stumps. The session ended early due to bad light, with spinners on as the umpires stopped fast bowlers. India added 115 runs for one wicket in this session, finishing at 264 for 4 after 83 overs.

Rishabh Pant's Injury Worries India

A big worry for India was Rishabh Pant's injury in the evening session. On the fourth ball of the 68th over from Chris Woakes, Pant tried a reverse-sweep but only nicked it before the ball hit his right foot hard. The spot swelled up quickly and started bleeding, leaving him in a lot of pain. He couldn't even stand properly, and an ambulance had to come onto the field to take him away. Pant was retired hurt on 37, after a useful knock with two fours and a six. This hurt India's push, as he was looking set for a big score. Fans hope he recovers soon for day two.

Key Performers of the Day

Several players stood out on a tough day.

• Yashasvi Jaiswal: Top-scored in the morning with 58, including aggressive shots like a six off Stokes.

• Sai Sudharsan: Played a patient 61 on comeback, steadying the middle order.

• KL Rahul: Gave a solid start with 46, handling the new ball well.

• Ben Stokes: England's best bowler with 2 wickets, including Gill and Sudharsan.

• Chris Woakes: Got the first breakthrough and troubled the batters.

Day 1 Scorecard

Here's the full scorecard at stumps:

Fall of Wickets: 94-1 (Rahul, 30 ov), 120-2 (Jaiswal, 40.1 ov), 140-3 (Gill, 49.1 ov), 235-4 (Sudharsan, 73.5 ov).

Bowling:

India will look to build on this total on day two, with the new ball due soon. England needs early wickets to take control.