Rishabh Pant Injury Update: Blow Halts India’s Momentum on Day 1 of 4th Test vs England
India ended Day 1 of the 4th Test at 264/4 as Sudharsan scored 61 and Pant retired hurt after a foot injury. England’s Stokes and Woakes took key wickets as the match hangs in balance.
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The Fourth Rothesay Test at Emirates Old Trafford, Manchester, began under grey skies, swirling anticipation, and a familiar storyline: Ben Stokes won the toss—his fourth in a row—and opted to field first once again. With the five-match series delicately poised, England entered this contest aiming for a decisive win that would seal the series. But India, weathering tough conditions and the loss of a key player to injury, ended the day on a solid 264/4.
India’s Start: Patience Over Power
On a surface offering consistent help to the bowlers and under the ever-watchful cloud cover, the Indian openers took a cautious approach. Yashasvi Jaiswal, often known for his aggressive flair, opted for maturity and discipline, playing within himself to construct a gritty 58. Alongside him, KL Rahul—recalled to the side and ever the classical technician—crafted a fluent 46 before falling to a well-earned delivery from Chris Woakes.
Woakes, returning to form and rhythm after a lean stretch, was the pick of England’s seamers. His subtle movement off the seam and accurate probing lines kept the Indian batters honest. Eventually, he induced a feathered edge from Rahul just as the right-hander was beginning to look dangerous.
Jaiswal’s Departure: Dawson Makes a Statement
After lunch, Liam Dawson, returning to Test cricket after a long eight-year hiatus, made an immediate impact. On just his seventh ball, he dismissed the well-set Jaiswal with a delivery that held its line and caught the edge. For Dawson, it was a moment of redemption and perhaps even a statement—he still belongs at the top level.
Jaiswal's innings, though short of fireworks, was precisely what India needed in the challenging conditions. His 58 off 154 balls displayed a temperament fit for Test cricket's grind, and it laid the foundation for what followed.
Shubman Gill and Sudharsan: Promise and Collapse
Shubman Gill, elevated to captaincy duties in Rohit Sharma’s absence, looked determined to make a mark. But a moment of indecision proved costly. Opting to leave a delivery from Ben Stokes that seamed in, Gill was struck plumb in front and dismissed LBW. The decision was reviewed but upheld, and Gill walked back for 29.
The recalled Sai Sudharsan, however, seized his chance. Batting at No. 5, Sudharsan was solid in defence and showed admirable judgment outside the off-stump. However, he was handed an early lifeline when Jamie Smith, standing in for the injured Jonny Bairstow, dropped a regulation chance when the batter was on 20.
Capitalising on the reprieve, Sudharsan rebuilt India's innings with Rishabh Pant in a partnership that had England on the ropes.
Pant’s Blow: A Moment That Shifted Momentum
Rishabh Pant, ever the counter-attacker, looked in good touch. His 37 was brisk, purposeful, and exactly what India needed at the time. But then came the turning point of the day—an attempted reverse sweep off Chris Woakes went horribly wrong, striking Pant flush on the right foot.
He immediately went down, writhing in pain. The physio ran out, and after a prolonged examination, Pant was forced to retire hurt. The injury, which appeared serious at first glance, left India in a tense spot and robbed them of their most explosive middle-order batter. A scan will determine his participation in the rest of the match—and possibly the series.
Stokes’ Double Blow: England Strike Late
Just when India were beginning to look comfortable at 230-2, Stokes returned for a final spell and turned the tide again. First, he dismissed Gill with an absolute peach, then got Sudharsan to fall into a short-ball trap. The young left-hander, perhaps looking to assert control, tried to hook but found the fielder at long leg. He departed for a well-constructed 61—a career-best in his short Test journey so far.
Stokes ended the day with 2/47 and, more importantly, with momentum shifting slightly back in England's favor.
India’s Situation: Cautious Optimism
At stumps on Day 1, India stood at 264/4 with a strong platform but an uncertain middle-order going into Day 2. The injury to Pant is a major concern. If he’s ruled out, it will disrupt India's batting and wicketkeeping plans significantly. His presence in the middle overs, especially with the second new ball around the corner, would have been crucial.
India’s remaining batters—Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, and possibly Shardul Thakur—will need to dig in and build around the overnight batter to push the total well past 400.
England’s Performance: Mixed Bag
England, on the other hand, had their moments. Woakes was disciplined and effective. Dawson made a welcome return. Stokes, as always, proved his golden-arm value. However, the fielding left much to be desired. Jamie Smith’s drop of Sudharsan could prove costly in the long run, especially if India’s tail wags.
The absence of a strike spinner was evident as the Old Trafford pitch began to show signs of turn late in the day. Joe Root rolled his arm over occasionally, but a specialist spinner might have made more out of the conditions.
What to Expect on Day 2
With the pitch expected to get slower and perhaps break up later in the match, Day 2 will be vital for both sides. If India can bat through the first session and stretch their total beyond 400, they’ll have a strong grip. But if England strike early, especially with the second new ball due in the early overs, they could restrict the total to something much more manageable.
All eyes, however, will be on Pant’s scan results. His availability (or lack thereof) could swing the balance of this Test—and the series.
Summary:
India 264/4 at stumps on Day 1
Sudharsan top scored with 61; Jaiswal made 58
Pant retired hurt on 37 after a blow to the foot
Woakes, Dawson, and Stokes took key wickets
England yet to bat, looking to level or win the series
Stay tuned for all the action from Day 2 of this gripping Test at Old Trafford!