India’s Start: Rahul and Jaiswal Build a Strong Platform
The stakes could hardly be higher. Coming into the fourth Test at Old Trafford, India trailed England 1-2 in the five-match Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy series. After falling short in the previous Test by just 22 runs, India desperately needed a comeback, and their openers wasted no time in laying down a marker. KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal looked in full control, tackling the new ball with patience and skill. Rahul, ever the cool head, played the waiting game while Jaiswal’s flair kept the scoreboard ticking. Their partnership ensured India had something solid to build on, especially with the ominous Manchester skies threatening to disrupt play.
Jaiswal, who has become a revelation this series, showed why he is being spoken of as India’s next big hope in Test cricket. Rahul’s experience at the other end meant that the pair navigated tricky spells with discipline, keeping the English bowlers at bay throughout the morning session. The Old Trafford pitch, which often provides seam movement early on, seemed to have quietened in the face of their resistance.
Pant’s Pain and England’s Response: A Twist No One Saw Coming
But just as India looked poised for a big score, the mood changed quickly. Rishabh Pant, known for his fearless batting and on-field energy, suffered a painful blow to his toe while running between the wickets. What at first looked like a minor injury turned out to be serious—a fractured toe that forced him to retire hurt and rule him out of the rest of the series. Losing their aggressive wicketkeeper-batsman is a massive blow for India, especially with every run mattering in such a tightly contested series.
With Pant sidelined, the English bowlers sensed their chance. They kept things tight, grabbing key wickets in quick succession. But India found unlikely heroes in Ravindra Jadeja and Shardul Thakur, who came together when confidence could have easily dipped. Both played with determination, ending the day unbeaten at 19 runs each. Their resolve steadied things, helping India close day one on 264/4—a total that could prove crucial as the Test progresses.
Off the pitch, the drama continued as former England captain Michael Vaughan sparked fresh debate. With Pant forced out by his injury, Vaughan argued that Test cricket should adopt an injury substitute system—similar to the concussion protocol introduced recently. The idea stirred plenty of reaction, with players and pundits weighing the pros and cons. While tradition runs deep in Test cricket, the incident has certainly put the spotlight on player safety and the game’s willingness to adapt.
And as if that wasn’t enough, Manchester’s unpredictable weather looms over the whole affair. Rain breaks could play havoc with the match flow, turning every session into a tactical battle. For India, every run scored and every wicket protected matters—this game is now a must-win if they hope to keep their Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy chances alive. With all eyes on Old Trafford, the stage is set for more twists as the Test continues.
