OLD TRAFFORD — England seized the initiative on a gripping opening day of the fourth Test against India at Old Trafford, capitalizing on a late Ben Stokes dismissal and a concerning injury to Rishabh Pant that tilted the balance in their favor. The hosts finished the day at 246/5, with India’s bowling attack hampered by Pant’s absence behind the stumps.
The pivotal moment came late in the final session when Stokes, who had looked dangerous on 46, edged a delivery from Mohammed Shami to the slips, where Virat Kohli took a sharp catch. Just overs earlier, Pant had collided with Shardul Thakur while attempting a diving catch, forcing him to leave the field with a suspected shoulder injury. "Losing Pant was a massive blow," admitted India’s batting coach Vikram Rathour. "His energy and glovework are irreplaceable."
England’s Top Order Lays Foundation
After winning the toss and opting to bat, England’s openers Rory Burns (35) and Haseeb Hameed (45) weathered India’s new-ball threat with a 92-run stand. Jasprit Bumrah broke through just before lunch, but not before England had laid a solid platform. "We knew we had to be patient," said Burns. "The pitch had enough in it for the bowlers, but we stuck to our plans."
India fought back in the second session with quick wickets:
- Hameed caught behind off Shami
- Dawid Malan (18) trapped LBW by Ravindra Jadeja
- Joe Root (27) edging a beauty from Bumrah
Stokes and Bairstow Steady the Ship
Jonny Bairstow (57*) and Stokes rebuilt with a 78-run partnership, frustrating India’s bowlers with aggressive counter-punching. Bairstow, in particular, targeted Jadeja’s spin, hitting three boundaries in an over. "Jonny’s intent changed the momentum," praised Stokes. "He’s in the form of his life."
Pant’s Injury Shifts Momentum
The game turned when Pant, diving to his left for a Stokes edge, landed awkwardly on his shoulder. After brief on-field treatment, he walked off visibly in pain. With no specialist keeper in the squad, KL Rahul took the gloves, and England capitalized:
- Two missed stumpings off Jadeja
- Byes creeping into the total
"It’s a huge disadvantage," conceded Rahul. "Rishabh’s presence is electric. We’ll assess his fitness overnight, but it doesn’t look good." Medical staff confirmed Pant would undergo scans, casting doubt over his participation for the remainder of the Test.
Late Strikes Keep India Hopeful
Despite England’s advantage, India struck late with Stokes’ wicket and nearly removed Bairstow, but a dropped catch by substitute fielder Mayank Agarwal at slip kept England ahead. "We’re still in this," insisted Bumrah. "If we get early breakthroughs tomorrow, anything under 300 is chaseable."
England, however, will back themselves to push beyond 350, especially with Bairstow well-set and all-rounders Sam Curran and Chris Woakes waiting in the wings. The pitch, offering variable bounce, could prove treacherous on Days 2 and 3.
Conclusion: A Day of Twists
While England edged the day, Pant’s injury and India’s resilient bowling ensured the Test remains finely poised. "It’s classic Test cricket," said England coach Paul Collingwood. "One session can change everything. We’ll need to be ruthless tomorrow."