The fourth match of the ongoing five-match Test series between India and England commenced on Wednesday at Old Trafford Stadium in Manchester. In this match, the England captain won the toss and decided to bowl first.
IND vs ENG 4th Test Day 1: The fourth match of the ongoing five-match Test series between India and England began on Wednesday, July 24, 2025, at Old Trafford in Manchester. After losing the toss and being asked to bat first, India reached a score of 264/4 by stumps on the first day. Ravindra Jadeja (19*) and Shardul Thakur (19*) are currently unbeaten. Play was called off early due to poor light.
Steady Start: Jaiswal and Rahul Partnership
The Indian innings was initiated by Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul, who withstood the English bowlers during the first session. Both batted with composure, forging an 89-run partnership for the first wicket. However, England made a comeback in the second session. Chris Woakes dismissed KL Rahul (46 runs, 98 balls, 4 fours) by a catch to Zak Crawley, providing India with the first setback.
Following the fall of the first wicket, Yashasvi Jaiswal completed his 12th Test career half-century in 96 balls. He scored 58 runs off 107 balls before being caught by Harry Brook off Liam Dawson's delivery. Dawson claimed a crucial wicket upon his return to Test cricket after eight years. Soon after, captain Shubman Gill didn't last long either, as he was dismissed LBW by Ben Stokes. Gill returned to the pavilion after scoring only 12 runs.
Pant-Sudarshan Partnership, Then a Major Setback
In the third session, Rishabh Pant and Sai Sudarshan steadied the team. They built a 72-run partnership for the fourth wicket. Sudarshan completed his maiden Test half-century, scoring 61 runs off 151 balls, including seven impressive boundaries. But during this time, India suffered a major setback when Rishabh Pant got injured. He sustained a serious injury to his right leg while batting.
His leg became swollen, and bleeding was also visible. The situation was so severe that he had to be taken off the field by ambulance. Pant had to retire hurt, having scored 37 runs off 48 balls (2 fours, 1 six).
England's Bowling
The pitch in Manchester didn't pose significant difficulties for batsmen to score runs on the first day, but the English bowlers performed well with the new ball. Chris Woakes, Ben Stokes, and Dawson tried to disrupt India's rhythm by taking wickets at regular intervals. Liam Dawson, who returned to the team after a long time, bowled with excellent line and length. Ben Stokes also troubled the Indian middle order with accurate deliveries.
By the end of the first day's play, India reached a score of 264/4. Currently, Ravindra Jadeja is unbeaten on 19 runs off 37 balls, and Shardul Thakur is unbeaten on 19 runs off 36 balls. Earlier, Sai Sudarshan (61) and Rishabh Pant (37) attempted to strengthen the middle order. Yashasvi Jaiswal (58) and KL Rahul (46) provided a good start to the innings, but India missed out on building a big partnership due to quick wickets in the middle order.