India, trailing 1-2 in the five-match series and in a must-win situation, looked in control in the first session after being asked to bat by England skipper Ben Stokes, who won his fourth consecutive toss. Openers Rahul and Jaiswal put together a solid 96-run stand, navigating the initial spells from Chris Woakes, Jofra Archer, and Brydon Carse
Shubman Gill (C) reacts as he leaves the pitch as he looses his wicket after been trapped by England's captain Ben Stokes in a LBW (Pic: AFP)
After a promising start in the morning session, India faltered in the second as England made crucial inroads to reduce the visitors to 149 for 3 at tea on day one of the fourth Test at Old Trafford. The collapse saw the dismissals of both openers, KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal, followed by captain Shubman Gill, halting India’s early momentum.
India, trailing 1-2 in the five-match series and in a must-win situation, looked in control in the first session after being asked to bat by England skipper Ben Stokes, who won his fourth consecutive toss. Openers Rahul and Jaiswal put together a solid 96-run stand, navigating the initial spells from Chris Woakes, Jofra Archer, and Brydon Carse with discipline and composure.
Rahul, in particular, appeared fluent and reached a personal milestone as he became only the fifth Indian batter to complete 1,000 Test runs in England, joining the elite company of Sunil Gavaskar, Rahul Dravid, Sachin Tendulkar, and Virat Kohli. His 46 was a well-constructed knock, but just as he looked set to push on, Woakes struck, inducing an edge that ended a significant opening partnership.
Jaiswal, who had looked the more aggressive of the two openers, played some eye-catching strokes, including a cut through the gap between third slip and gully that brought up India’s 50. He grew in confidence towards the end of the first session, taking on both Archer and Stokes with expansive drives and hooks. His innings of 58, however, came to an end shortly after Rahul's dismissal when Liam Dawson got one to grip and turn, finding the edge that was neatly taken by Harry Brook in the slips.
The biggest setback for India came when Gill, now leading the side, was trapped leg-before by Stokes for just 12. It was a sharp delivery that nipped back in and caught Gill on the crease, sending the hosts into celebrations and India into a brief wobble.
At Tea, Sai Sudharsan, making his debut in this series, was unbeaten on 26, showing early signs of composure and a solid technique. He was joined by Rishabh Pant, who was not out on 3, and the duo will be tasked with stabilising the innings in the final session.
(With ANI inputs)
Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!
