Manchester, UK: Day 1 of the 4th Test between India and England at Old Trafford proved to be a roller-coaster for the visitors, culminating in a significant blow with Rishabh Pant being forced to retire hurt after suffering a painful foot injury. India finished the day at 264/4, a score that reflects periods of strong batting interspersed with crucial wickets, leaving the match finely poised.
Early Promise and Solid Foundations
Having been put in to bat by England captain Ben Stokes, India’s openers, Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul, provided a steady start. The duo navigated the challenging early conditions and the pace of Jofra Archer to build a solid 94-run partnership, ensuring India went into lunch unscathed at 78/0. Jaiswal, in particular, showed great resilience, seeing off Archer’s probing spell.
England Fights Back: A Wicket-Taking Middle Session
The momentum shifted significantly in England’s favour after the lunch break. The hosts, led by Ben Stokes’ inspired captaincy and incisive bowling, picked up quick wickets. KL Rahul was the first to depart, followed by the well-set Yashasvi Jaiswal, who had brought up his half-century. Captain Shubman Gill’s dismissal further compounded India’s woes, leaving them in a tricky situation. Liam Dawson, returning to the Test arena after a long hiatus, also picked up a key wicket, showcasing England’s renewed vigor.
Sai Sudharsan’s Composure and Pant’s Aggression
Amidst the flurry of wickets, debutant Sai Sudharsan displayed remarkable composure. He batted patiently, showing good temperament against England’s varied attack, and went on to score his maiden Test fifty (61). He formed a crucial 72-run partnership with Rishabh Pant, who, true to his style, came out with an aggressive intent, looking to counter-attack. Pant also achieved a personal milestone, becoming the first visiting wicketkeeper-batter to score 1000 Test runs in England.
The Defining Moment: Rishabh Pant’s Injury
Just as Pant and Sudharsan seemed to be steadying the Indian innings, a moment of concern silenced the Old Trafford crowd. Rishabh Pant, batting confidently on 37, attempted an audacious reverse sweep off Chris Woakes, but the ball ricocheted off his inside edge and struck him flush on his right foot. He was immediately in visible distress, grimacing in pain and unable to put weight on his foot. Despite an LBW review going in his favor (due to an inside edge), Pant was in too much agony to continue. He was eventually helped off the field by the physio and medical staff and was later taken off in a medical cart for further treatment and scans. The images showed significant swelling and even bleeding on his foot, raising serious concerns about his participation in the rest of the match.
Jadeja and Thakur Hold Firm as Day Ends
Pant’s unfortunate exit broke the partnership and shifted the momentum back slightly towards England. Sai Sudharsan soon followed, falling to a short delivery from Ben Stokes. However, Ravindra Jadeja and Shardul Thakur then showed resilience, ensuring no further damage was done before stumps were called early due to fading light. The duo batted out the final phase cautiously, taking India to 264/4.
