India's Strong Start Challenges by Rishabh Pant Injury at Old Trafford

India displayed a promising performance on the opening day of the fourth Test against England at Old Trafford, Manchester, concluding the session at 264 for 4. This strong position, however, was marred by an injury to wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant, who had to leave the field after sustaining a blow to his right foot.

England's captain Ben Stokes won the toss for the fourth time in this series and opted to field. The English side made one change, bringing in Liam Dawson for Shoaib Bashir. India, meanwhile, implemented three changes, introducing Sai Sudharsan and Shardul Thakur, and handing a maiden Test cap to Anshul Khamboj.

The first session provided an intriguing clash between the bowlers and the Indian batters. Chris Woakes was in fine form, forcing Yashasvi Jaiswal to edge the ball twice in the opening over, although both chances fell just short of the slips. Jofra Archer’s economical bowling coupled with Brydon Carse’s probing deliveries gave England an early advantage. The Indian openers, however, gradually settled into their rhythm, scoring runs through controlled boundaries. Jaiswal particularly stood out, countering Woakes' challenges with solid shots, including an upper-cut six off Stokes.

As the session concluded, India finished without losing a wicket, ending with a score of 94.

Transitioning into the second session, England capitalised on favourable bowling conditions, claiming three critical wickets. Woakes, Dawson, and Stokes dismissed key Indian players, including KL Rahul, who made 46 runs, and Jaiswal, who reached a total of 58 runs, before departing the crease. India reached 149 for 3 at tea, having added 71 runs in this session alone.

Jaiswal’s innings was noteworthy as he surpassed 1,000 runs against England, becoming one of the quickest Indian players to reach this milestone. His innings was cut short when he edged a delivery from Dawson to slip shortly after the spinner’s introduction. Sudharsan and Shubman Gill showcased a promising partnership following the dismissals, but Gill fell to Stokes, ending a solid start for India.

In the third session, despite England’s early efforts to target Sudharsan with short-pitched deliveries, the Indian batter remained resolute. Pant's aggressive approach was evident, as he hit Archer for a six, surpassing 1,000 Test runs in England. The partnership between Pant and Sudharsan crossed 50 runs, guiding India beyond the 200-mark.

However, Pant's day took a turn when he sustained an injury while attempting a reverse sweep against Woakes. After receiving medical attention on the field, he was taken off in an ambulance cart due to swelling in his right foot. Sudharsan managed to reach his half-century shortly afterwards, capitalising on deliveries from Joe Root and contributing additional runs until Stokes' persistence paid off, dismissing Sudharsan for 61 runs. The day's play concluded with India at 264 for 4 as the players left the field for poor light with just minutes remaining.

India will look to build on their position on Day 2, while concerns regarding Pant's availability loom large. 

Brief scores: India 264 for 4 (Sai Sudharsan 61, Yashasvi Jaiswal 58, KL Rahul 46; Ben Stokes 2 for 47, Chris Woakes 1 for 43, Liam Dawson 1 for 45) against England.