India vs England 4th Test Day 1: India Steady after Early Blows at Old Trafford

Wednesday, July 23, 2025, Manchester: The battle between the India national cricket team and England cricket team resumed at Old Trafford, Manchester, as the two giants clashed in the 4th Test of the series. England captain Ben Stokes won the toss and chose to bowl first, hoping to use early morning conditions to his team’s advantage9.

India’s Strong Start and Middle-Order Challenge

India began positively. The opening pair, Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul, held their ground against England’s pace attack. They added 78 runs for the first wicket, looking solid on a pitch that offered a hint of movement early on9 5. Jaiswal played some stylish shots and reached a well-made 56 before being caught by Harry Brook off Liam Dawson’s spin9. Rahul scored a useful 46, caught by Zak Crawley off Chris Woakes9.

However, England struck back in the second session. The hosts removed three Indian batters for 71 runs, putting pressure back on the visitors. India’s young captain Shubman Gill could contribute only 12 runs, getting trapped LBW by Ben Stokes9.

Sai Sudharsan’s Mature Innings

After the top order went back to the pavilion, Sai Sudharsan showed composure. He survived a close call when wicketkeeper Jamie Smith dropped him off Ben Stokes, a mistake that might cost England later1. Sudharsan ran hard between the wickets and was careful in shot selection. At one stage, he almost got run out as he dropped his bat rushing back to the crease, but he made it safely1 9. By the close of play, Sudharsan was batting on 40, holding the innings together after initial setbacks9.

Rishabh Pant Joins the Fightback

Wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant joined Sudharsan at the crease during the recovery phase. Together, they focused on rebuilding the innings, keeping India’s hopes alive for a big first-innings score1 9. Pant played carefully when England’s bowlers found new swing with the afternoon clouds covering up the sun3.

Key Moments and Bowling Highlights

Yashasvi Jaiswal struck 56 runs, including some attractive boundaries before getting out9 3.
KL Rahul laid the foundation with a patient 469.
England’s bowlers Chris Woakes, Liam Dawson, and Ben Stokes picked up a wicket each, especially making breakthroughs after lunch9.
The pitch at Old Trafford offered swing to the fast bowlers as the weather changed through the day. There were some clouds, but play continued without interruption3.

Where to Watch

Fans in India can follow live updates and full scorecards on popular sports websites like NDTV, Cricbuzz, and Firstpost1 10. The match is being broadcast live on television and also streamed on various online platforms for viewers at home.

Players Under Focus

Yashasvi Jaiswal: Opened the innings with confidence, looked set for a big score, but fell to spin9.
Sai Sudharsan: Steady under pressure, played some important strokes, and was lucky to survive a dropped catch1 3.
Shardul Thakur: Though not yet in the bowling spotlight on day one, he has been a talking point after his dramatic recall to the Test team for the England series, thanks to his past success in English conditions2.
Rishabh Pant: Trying to stabilize the innings and support Sudharsan1.
Shubman Gill: Captaining in a new era after the retirement of senior players, but his short stay with the bat has put him in focus9 2.

England Bowling Line-Up

Ben Stokes has led from the front as captain and with the ball.
Woakes and Dawson took key wickets at crucial times.

Current Match Situation

At the close of the second session, India were 149/3 in 52 overs, with Sudharsan and Pant looking to build a partnership9. By 60 overs, India had reached 182/3, with Sudharsan going strong at 40*9. England will aim for more quick wickets in the final session to avoid a big first-innings total from India.

Manchester Weather and Pitch Report

The Old Trafford ground saw swinging conditions as the afternoon progressed, with clouds gathering after a sunny start3. There were no stoppages due to rain, but the changing weather made it tough for batters at times.

Upcoming Sessions

India will hope for a big partnership between Sudharsan and Pant. England’s bowlers, boosted by their home crowd, will try to make further inroads. With more star players like Shardul Thakur yet to make an impact, fans expect exciting cricket in the next days of this 4th Test.

Stay tuned for more updates, live scores, and analysis as the India national cricket team and England cricket team continue this closely fought Test match in Manchester.

India vs England 4th Test Day 1: India Steady after Early Blows at Old Trafford

Table of Contents

India vs England 4th Test Day 1: India Steady after Early Blows at Old Trafford

India’s Strong Start and Middle-Order Challenge

Sai Sudharsan’s Mature Innings

Key Moments and Bowling Highlights

Where to Watch

Players Under Focus

England Bowling Line-Up

Current Match Situation

Manchester Weather and Pitch Report

Upcoming Sessions

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