ENG vs IND, 4th test, day 1: England bounced back late after a gritty show from the Indian top order

A gripping opening day at Old Trafford saw India’s batting lineup demonstrate composure and resilience after being invited to bat first by England's Ben Stokes, who won his fourth consecutive toss of the series. Although we saw a full day of test cricket, unlike the modern-day style, the whole day was full of anticipation, drama, grit and fight.

BRIEF SCORE SUMMARY

• India: 264/4* (Stumps, Day 1)
• For India: Jaiswal 58, Rahul 46, Sudharsan 61, Pant 37 (retired hurt)
• For England: Ben Stokes 47/2

India won the first session: Rahul & Jaiswal stood tall

England’s decision to bowl first looked like a test of nerve as India’s openers, KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal, batted through the morning session without loss. Jaiswal, who was out playing a rash shot in the last test match, took his time, while KL Rahul always looked in control.

This helped them set a record untouched since 2015 - the first time in a decade that an overseas pair remained unbeaten to lunch on Day 1 in an English Test after 20+ overs. The previous such instance had been the Australian duo of Chris Rogers and David Warner in 2015.

Rahul, playing with trademark late hands, became the fifth India to cross 1,000 Test runs in England, alongside Indian legends Tendulkar, Dravid, Gavaskar, and Kohli. Jaiswal, meanwhile, restrained his attacking instincts, likely heeding coach Gambhir’s advice, and solidly compiled his runs, including a single six over the covers as lunch approached.

At lunch, India were cruising at 78 without loss, and won the first session handsomely.

England fought back with Stokes being the 'Workhorse'

Post-lunch, England struck back, exposing India’s infamous vulnerability around session breaks. Chris Woakes drew first blood, dismissing Rahul for 46 as he pushed at a length ball and nicked to the slip cordon. Jaiswal followed soon after, falling for 58 to a sharp delivery from left-arm spinner Liam Dawson, who took a test wicket after eight years.

But it was Ben Stokes, a workhorse all day, who changed the game for England again. Stokes, who has now bowled over 117 overs in the series, his highest ever in a single series, produced the crucial wicket of Shubman Gill. Gill was out lbw after misjudging and not attempting a shot to an inswinger from Stokes. Hawk-Eye confirmed three reds, and with Gill’s departure for 12, India were pushed back to 149/3 at tea.

Sudharsan showed grit, but Pant's injury gave away the momentum

Sai Sudharsan, who was brought back into the team, seized his opportunity at No.3, surviving a difficult morning and a drop by Jamie Smith down the leg side on 20, to notch up a composed maiden Test fifty. In doing so, he became the first Indian No.3 to score a half-century in men’s Tests since Shubman Gill’s 90 in late 2023.

Rishabh Pant did what Rishabh Pant does. Typically bold and courageous, Pant turbo-charged a 50-run partnership with Sudharsan in just over 11 overs, reverse-sweeping Archer and Carse. But he was struck by his own sword as he got injured badly while going for a reverse sweep against Woakes. Pant's right foot was bleeding, and he was forced to retire hurt on 37, ferried away on a buggy. He was replaced by Jadeja at the fag end of the day.

Ben Stokes again proved to be the game-changer for England as he bounced out Sai Sudarshan and dismissed the southpaw on 61. Sudarshan was devastated by the choice of shot after showing patience for more than three hours.

As light faded, England’s bowlers toiled with a still-moving Dukes ball but found little reward. The umpires, after a light check, allowed play to continue but possibly advised spin only, spurring Root and Dawson to operate in tandem even after the new ball was available.

Now, although India might have the upper hand slightly after Day 1, we all know England are just one ball away from India's tail. The injury to Rishabh Pant will hold a lot of importance on the whole Manchester test and the series.