India vs England 4th Test Day 1 Highlights: Jaiswal’s 58, Sudharsan Debuts Strong, Pant Injured as England Fight Back

India vs England 4th Test Day 1 Highlights – Old Trafford, Manchester – July 23, 2025:
The much-anticipated India vs England 4th Test kicked off under moody skies at Old Trafford, and the drama did not disappoint. After a confident opening stand by India’s top order, England fought back hard, and tragedy struck with Rishabh Pant forced to retire hurt due to injury, casting a shadow over India’s steady innings.
First Session: Calm Before the Storm
India’s new-look opening pair of Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul began with composure, putting up a solid 94-run partnership. Rahul, showing grit and maturity, compiled a calm 46, while Jaiswal brought his usual flair with a watchful 58, navigating through tight English bowling early on.
Their efforts gave India a stable launchpad, with both batsmen unflustered by England’s decision to field first on a greenish pitch under cloudy skies.
Midday Shift: England Strike Back
In came Sai Sudharsan, playing his debut Test and showing immense composure. He anchored the middle-order brilliantly with a confident 61, becoming the only Indian batter on this tour so far to hit a fifty on debut.
But England’s skipper Ben Stokes, always the man for a crisis, removed Sudharsan just when he looked set, marking his second crucial wicket of the day.
However, the biggest heartbreak came when Rishabh Pant, looking aggressive on 37, attempted a reverse sweep off Chris Woakes. The shot misfired — not with the bat, but with his body. The ball struck him flush on the left foot, and Pant immediately dropped to the ground in agony. Medics rushed in, and he had to retire hurt and was taken to the hospital for scans. The silence at Old Trafford was telling — a rising star had gone down, visibly in pain and frustration.
Pant was soon taken to the hospital for scans, casting a shadow of worry over the Indian dressing room. With no clarity yet on whether he’ll return to bat in the first innings, India faces not only the loss of a key batter but also the absence of their most agile wicketkeeper.
If Pant is ruled out, the likely stand-in—whose glovework in the previous match was shaky—might struggle to match Pant’s natural brilliance behind the stumps. This injury could prove to be a pivotal setback in India’s fight in the 4th Test.
End of Day: Steady Close Amidst Darkness
At stumps, India stood at 264/4, with Ravindra Jadeja and Shardul Thakur at the crease, trying to hold the innings together. Bad light forced early closure, bringing an intense Day 1 to a halt.
Key Performers of Day 1
- Yashasvi Jaiswal – 58: Patient knock, showed class against the new ball
- Sai Sudharsan – 61: Impressive debut fifty under pressure
- KL Rahul – 46: Played the anchor role to perfection
- Ben Stokes – 2 wickets: Changed the game’s momentum post-lunch
- Liam Dawson – 1 wicket: Crucial breakthrough to dismiss Jaiswal
- Chris Woakes: His delivery unintentionally injured Pant, who was batting fluently
Final Word
Day 1 of the India vs England 4th Test was a tale of two halves. India’s top order showed poise and resilience early on, only for England to claw back with sharp bowling and timely breakthroughs. But it was Rishabh Pant’s injury — a moment that stopped hearts and silenced commentary boxes — that truly defined the day’s emotion. His absence looms large as India looks to build on their total on Day 2.
🔥 Also read: Ravindra Jadeja’s unbeaten 61 vs England – A gritty rescue act
🔗 For live score updates and ball-by-ball commentary, visit the Cricbuzz live coverage of India vs England 4th Test.
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