July 24, 2025: The first day of the fourth Test match against England at Old Trafford in Manchester on Wednesday was a mixed one for India. After being invited to bat first, Team India made a good start. Yashasvi Jaiswal and Sai Sudarshan scored half-centuries, but Rishabh Pant's injury gave India a big concern. By the end of the day, India had scored 254 runs for the loss of four wickets.

Both Jaiswal and Sudarshan got out after completing their half-centuries. One of them needed to play a long innings to help India get into a strong position. Yashasvi faced 107 balls and hit 10 fours and a six. Sudarshan, playing only his second match, faced 151 balls and scored 61 runs with the help of seven fours. Ravindra Jadeja and Shardul Thakur were unbeaten on 19 runs each at the end of days play.

Strong Start

England won the toss and chose to bowl first. Jaiswal and KL Rahul gave India a strong start, without any loss of wicket in the first session. Shortly after the second session began, Rahul exited, missing his half-century. Chris Woakes, who was troubling him with off-stump line, finally got his wicket. On the last ball of the 30th over, Rahul’s bat edged the ball, and Zak Crawley caught it in the slips. Rahul scored 46 runs in 98 balls with four fours.

Soon after, Yashasvi Jaiswal was also out. Liam Dawson, who returned to the England team after eight years, dismissed him in his second over. Harry Brook took his catch in the slips. Then Stokes dismissed Indian captain Shubman Gill. The ball hit Gill’s pad, and England appealed. The umpire gave him out. Gill took a review, but it was unsuccessful.

Pant Injured

Meanwhile, Sudarshan was settling well at the crease. He was also getting good support from vice-captain Rishabh Pant. The score had crossed 200 and their partnership crossed 70 runs. When he was on 37, Pant tried to play a reverse shot off Woakes’. He missed the ball, and it hit his shoe directly. Pant was in a lot of pain. When he removed his shoe, his foot looked badly hurt. Medics were called and a mini ambulance carried him off the field.

Sudarshan completed his half-century and was expected to stay till the end of the day. But Stokes set a trap and got him caught by Brydon Carse. After that, Ravindra Jadeja and Shardul Thakur made sure India did not lose any more wickets.