The fourth Test of the five-match series between India and England kicked off on July 23, 2025, at the iconic Old Trafford Cricket Ground in Manchester. With the series hanging in the balance, both teams were eager to gain an edge in this pivotal encounter. England captain Ben Stokes won the toss and opted to bowl first, banking on overcast conditions to favor his seamers. However, the pitch turned out to be flatter and slower than anticipated, setting the stage for a day dominated by India’s batsmen, albeit marred by a significant injury to Rishabh Pant.
India made three changes to their lineup, introducing debutant Anshul Kamboj, all-rounder Shardul Thakur, and batter Sai Sudharsan in place of Karun Nair, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Akash Deep. England, meanwhile, replaced the injured Shoaib Bashir with spinner Liam Dawson. The day saw India reach a competitive 264/4 by stumps, driven by a solid opening partnership, Sudharsan’s maiden Test fifty, and a resilient finish by Ravindra Jadeja and Shardul Thakur. However, Pant’s injury cast a shadow over India’s otherwise strong performance, setting up an intriguing Day 2.
India’s Batting Performance: A Blend of Grit and Setback
India’s innings began with a confident start from openers KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal, who put together a 94-run partnership. Both batters reached personal milestones, crossing 1000 Test runs in England. Rahul, marking his 50th Test, scored a composed 46 before falling to Chris Woakes, while Jaiswal’s fluent 58 ended with a wicket to Liam Dawson. Their partnership was pivotal, providing a solid foundation on a pitch that offered little to the bowlers early on.
The fall of the openers brought Sai Sudharsan to the crease, and the young left-hander delivered a performance that belied his relative inexperience at the Test level. Sai Sudharsan’s 61 was a masterclass in patience and adaptability. Surviving a dropped catch early in his innings, Sai Sudharsan capitalized on the opportunity, building his knock with careful shot selection and steady accumulation. His partnership with Rishabh Pant, which added 74 runs for the fourth wicket, was crucial in maintaining India’s momentum after the loss of the openers and captain Shubman Gill, who fell for 12 to a brilliant delivery from Ben Stokes.
The day’s defining moment came when Pant, batting aggressively on 37, was struck on his right foot by a yorker from Chris Woakes while attempting a reverse sweep. The ball took an inside edge and ricocheted onto his front boot, causing immediate pain. Visibly distressed, Pant was unable to continue and was taken off the field in a golf cart, his foot swollen and bleeding. He was rushed to the hospital for scans, leaving India in a precarious position. Pant’s injury not only disrupted a promising partnership but also raised concerns about his availability for the rest of the match and potentially the series, given his dual role as a batsman and wicket-keeper.
Pic Credits: ESPNcricinfo
With Pant sidelined and Gill already dismissed, India faced a challenging phase. Gill’s brief stay at the crease ended with Stokes’ tactical brilliance, as the England captain bowled a delivery that outfoxed the Indian skipper. However, Ravindra Jadeja and Shardul Thakur stepped up to stabilize the innings. Jadeja, known for his resilience, remained unbeaten on 19 off 44 balls, blending solid defense with occasional aggression. Thakur, equally composed, scored 19* off 37 balls, and their unbroken 38-run partnership ensured India ended the day on a positive note.
Sai Sudharsan’s innings was the standout performance of the day. His maiden Test fifty showcased his ability to handle pressure and adapt to challenging conditions. Sai Sudharsan rotated the strike effectively and played with a maturity that belied his years, making his dismissal—caught by Ben Foakes off a Stokes short ball—a moment of frustration for India. Nevertheless, his contribution was instrumental in keeping India in a strong position.
England’s Bowling Effort: Breakthroughs Amid Challenges
England’s bowling attack worked tirelessly but found the flat pitch and India’s resilient batting challenging. Chris Woakes was the pick of the bowlers, dismissing Rahul and delivering the ball that led to Pant’s injury. His ability to maintain consistent lines and extract what little movement was available made him a constant threat.
Ben Stokes, leading by example, claimed two crucial wickets—Gill and Sudharsan. His dismissal of Gill was a moment of brilliance, while his short-ball strategy to dismiss Sudharsan showcased his tactical acumen. Stokes’ contribution with the ball underscored his value as an all-rounder, even if the conditions limited his overall impact.
Pic Credits: ESPNcricinfo
Liam Dawson, making a Test comeback after eight years, proved his worth by dismissing Jaiswal with his left-arm spin. His introduction added variety to England’s attack, and he exploited the slight turn available on the pitch. Dawson’s performance was a positive for England, suggesting he could play a bigger role as the match progresses.
Jofra Archer, despite his pace, struggled to make a significant impact due to the pitch’s lack of bounce and movement. While his presence added depth to the attack, he was unable to replicate the success of his teammates. England’s bowlers, collectively, managed to keep India’s scoring rate in check and picked up wickets at regular intervals, but they will feel they could have capitalized more on the overcast conditions early in the day.
Injury Update on Rishabh Pant
Rishabh Pant’s injury was the defining moment of Day 1. Struck on his right foot by a Chris Woakes yorker, Pant suffered significant swelling and bleeding, forcing him to retire hurt. He was taken to the hospital for scans, and his participation in the remainder of the match remains uncertain. Sai Sudharsan, speaking after the day’s play, acknowledged the impact of Pant’s potential absence, stating, “It will have an impact because he was batting really well today as well. Plus, we will miss a batter if he doesn’t come back again.” England’s Liam Dawson echoed this sentiment, expressing hope for Pant’s recovery but noting the severity of the injury.
Pant’s dual role as a batsman and wicket-keeper makes his potential absence a significant blow for India. His aggressive batting style and ability to shift momentum have been crucial in the series, and his injury could necessitate strategic adjustments. The team awaits scan results to determine the extent of the damage and his availability moving forward.
Looking Ahead to Day 2
As the teams head into Day 2, several factors will shape the match’s trajectory. The weather forecast indicates potential rain, which could disrupt play and influence team strategies. The pitch, already showing signs of cracks, may offer more assistance to spinners as the game progresses, potentially favoring England’s spin duo of Dawson and Tom Hartley.
India’s primary concern is Rishabh Pant’s fitness. His injury could force a reshuffle in the batting order or necessitate a replacement, impacting both their batting and wicket-keeping plans. Jadeja and Thakur, unbeaten at stumps, will aim to extend their partnership and push India’s total beyond 350
England will look to strike early on Day 2, capitalizing on any uncertainty in the Indian camp due to Pant’s injury. Their bowlers, particularly the spinners, will hope to exploit any deterioration in the pitch to restrict India’s total. The match remains finely poised, with both teams having reasons for optimism but facing distinct challenges.
Also Read: ENG vs IND: Sai Sudharsan’s 61 Shines on Day 1 in Manchester