After winning the toss for the fourth consecutive time, England captain Ben Stokes elected to bowl first under overcast skies, hoping to make early inroads. The decision initially appeared questionable as India’s openers Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul laid a strong foundation with a 96-run opening partnership
Ravindra Jadeja (Pic: @bcci/X)
The opening day of the fourth Test between India and England at Old Trafford came to an early end due to deteriorating light, with the visitors sitting comfortably at 264 for 4. Ravindra Jadeja and Shardul Thakur remained unbeaten on 19 apiece, steadying the innings after a middle-order wobble in the second session.
After winning the toss for the fourth consecutive time, England captain Ben Stokes elected to bowl first under overcast skies, hoping to make early inroads. The decision initially appeared questionable as India’s openers Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul laid a strong foundation with a 96-run opening partnership.
Jaiswal, in particular, looked in sublime touch, collecting a fluent 58 off 85 deliveries, peppered with strokes all around the wicket. Rahul, more watchful in his approach, contributed a solid 46 before falling to Chris Woakes just as India approached the 100-run mark. Jaiswal followed soon after, edging Liam Dawson to Harry Brook in the slips.
England clawed their way back into the contest with quick wickets in the second session. The biggest blow came when Stokes trapped Indian skipper Shubman Gill leg-before for just 12, leaving India three down. Sai Sudharsan, making his debut in the Test side, played a composed knock of 26 before he too departed, falling to the pace of Jofra Archer.
At 204 for 4, India were suddenly in a spot of bother. However, Jadeja and Thakur displayed remarkable composure and maturity to rebuild the innings. Their unbeaten 60-run stand ensured that India regained control heading into the final session.
Both batters were proactive in rotating the strike and punishing the occasional loose delivery. Thakur, known for his counter-attacking prowess, struck a couple of crisp boundaries, while Jadeja was his typically composed self, content to bide time at the crease.
England’s bowling was tidy but lacked the bite needed to dismantle the Indian lineup. Ben Stokes was the standout performer with the ball, returning impressive figures of 2 for 27 from his 12 overs. Woakes and Dawson chipped in with a wicket each, while Archer bowled with pace but without much reward.
India will look to press on with their first-innings total when play resumes on day two, while England will aim to strike early to prevent a sizable deficit.
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