Author: Akshay Published Date: 23 July 2025
Stokes’ Bold Call, Pant’s Pain: India Battles to 264/4 on Chaotic Day 1
Under gloomy Manchester skies, Ben Stokes made a daring move—he sent India in to bat at Old Trafford, defying tradition. By stumps on Day 1 of the 4th Test, his gamble had partially paid off: India 264/4, but not without drama, debutant grit, and a heart-stopping Rishabh Pant injury.
Here’s how an unpredictable day unfolded.
Morning Session: Jaiswal & Rahul Lay the Foundation
India’s openers, Yashasvi Jaiswal (58) and KL Rahul (46), weathered England’s seam attack in testing conditions. Their 94-run stand set a solid platform, with:
✔ Jaiswal notching another fifty, continuing his rich form.
✔ Rahul crossing 1,000 Test runs in England—a testament to his overseas pedigree.
Just as India seemed comfortable at 120/1, England struck back
England’s Fightback: Stokes, Woakes Break Through
The hosts clawed back before lunch:
☑ Jaiswal fell to part-timer Liam Dawson (58).
☑ Rahul edged Chris Woakes behind (46).
☑ Shubman Gill (22) was trapped by Stokes’ sharp seamers.
From 94/0, India slumped to 140/3—the game back in balance.
Sudharsan’s Debut Grit: A Silver Lining
Enter Sai Sudharsan, the Tamil Nadu youngster making his Test debut. Under pressure, he batted with remarkable composure:
🔹 61 off 151 balls (7 fours)
🔹 Rebuilt the innings after the middle-order wobble
🔹 Credited Gill’s advice for keeping him calm
His knock was a bright spot in a tense session.
The Pant Tragedy: A Series-Defining Blow?
Then came the biggest moment of the day. Rishabh Pant (37), reverse-sweeping Woakes, mistimed horribly—the ball smashing into his right foot.
💔 Swelling. Blood. Agony.
💔 Stretchered off in a medical buggy.
Scans are pending, but experts fear he might miss the rest of the series—a massive blow for India.
Jadeja & Thakur Steady the Ship
With Pant gone, Ravindra Jadeja (20*) and Shardul Thakur (19*) held firm against England’s attack. Their unbroken 45-run stand ensured India ended at 264/4—a fighting total, but far from safe.
Key Takeaways from Day 1
✅ England’s Toss Gamble Worked – Early wickets justified Stokes’ call.
✅ Sudharsan’s Promise – A debutant standing tall under pressure.
❌ Pant’s Injury Nightmare – India’s X-factor now in doubt.
⚖ Game in Balance – India need 350+, England must strike early.
What to Watch on Day 2
🔸 Jadeja-Thakur’s Resistance – Can they push India past 350?
🔸 Pant’s Replacement – Who keeps wicket? (KS Bharat likely).
🔸 England’s New-Ball Attack – Anderson & Woakes hunting quick wickets.