A determined Indian batting line-up rose to the occasion on the opening day of the fourth Test at Old Trafford, closing on a commanding 264/ 4 after being asked to bat first by England under overcast skies.
Trailing 1–2 in the five-match series and needing a result to stay alive, the visitors showed both intent and composure in a disciplined batting effort. Opener Yashasvi Jaiswal continued his fine run with a fluent 58, while debutant Sai Sudharsan impressed with a composed 61, helping India recover from a brief mid-innings stutter.
Put in to bat after England captain Ben Stokes won the toss, India’s openers Jaiswal and KL Rahul provided a solid start, adding 84 runs for the first wicket. Jaiswal, fluent off both front and back foot, stroked nine boundaries in his 58 before falling in the second session. Rahul, meanwhile, looked assured in his knock of 46, blunting the new-ball threat effectively before edging one to the slips just before lunch.
Captain Shubman Gill, who has led from the front this series, fell cheaply for 12, giving England a brief opening. However, the 22-year-old Sudharsan rose to the challenge with remarkable poise. His 61-run effort, marked by neat footwork and crisp strokeplay, came in a crucial 73-run stand with Rishabh Pant.
Pant, true to form, counterattacked with a brisk 37 off 42 deliveries before retiring hurt with what appeared to be a serious injury. The injury, while a setback for India, did not derail the innings, as Sudharsan and the lower middle order ensured momentum was not lost.
England’s bowlers toiled with little reward on a flat pitch. Stokes, leading by example, was the most effective, claiming two wickets, including the key scalp of Sudharsan. The rest of the attack bowled with discipline but failed to produce consistent breakthroughs.
At stumps, Ravindra Jadeja (26*) and Shardul Thakur (14*) were at the crease, and India will resume Day 2 with hopes of posting a total over 400. This score would put the home side under significant pressure on a pitch that has shown little assistance for bowlers.
