India finished the opening day of the fourth Test against England at Old Trafford on a steady note, reaching 264 for 4 at stumps, but the day’s progress was clouded by a concerning foot injury to Rishabh Pant, who was forced to retire hurt after being struck while attempting a reverse sweep.
India were put in to bat after England captain Ben Stokes won the toss under gloomy skies. Openers Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul provided a solid start, negotiating the early swing and seam movement to put on a 94-run stand for the first wicket. Jaiswal continued his fine form with a fluent 58, becoming the first Indian opener in 50 years to notch a half-century at Old Trafford. Rahul, playing with trademark restraint, made 46 before edging behind off Chris Woakes.
England struck thrice in the second session to claw back into the game. Debutant Liam Dawson, returning to Test cricket after a long gap, got Jaiswal leg-before with a sharp delivery. Moments later, Woakes dismissed Rahul with an outswinger, and Shubman Gill fell soon after to Ben Stokes, leaving India in a spot of bother at 138 for 3.
Sai Sudharsan, promoted to the crucial No. 3 spot, held the innings together with a composed 61. His partnership with Rishabh Pant helped India regain control. Pant, who began counter-attacking as usual, raced to 37 in quick time before disaster struck.
While attempting a reverse sweep off Woakes, Pant was struck hard on the right foot. He immediately dropped his bat and signaled for medical attention, writhing in pain. The team physio rushed out, and after a lengthy on-field assessment, Pant was taken off the ground on a medical buggy. The Indian camp later confirmed that he was being sent for scans, but did not provide further details. Former Australian skipper Ricky Ponting, speaking on air, said the injury “didn’t look good at all.”
With Pant unable to continue, Ravindra Jadeja and Shardul Thakur took India to stumps without further damage. Both remained unbeaten on 19 and will resume the innings on Day 2 with the second new ball looming. Despite the late hiccup, India ended the day with a decent platform, though Pant’s availability will weigh heavily on their plans going forward.
England’s bowlers shared the spoils on Day 1, with Woakes picking two wickets, while Dawson and Stokes claimed one each. The pitch offered enough assistance for both seamers and spinners, promising an intriguing battle in the days ahead.
India will look to build on the foundation laid on the first day, but much will depend on how serious Pant’s injury turns out to be. An official update is expected early on Day 2.
