Did England’s Triple Strikes Change the Game as India Reaches 149/3 at Tea?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- England's bowlers capitalized on early opportunities.
- India's middle order needs to stabilize the innings.
- Yashasvi Jaiswal's form remains a positive for India.
- Wicket management will be crucial as the Test progresses.
- England's strategy in the coming sessions will be vital.
Manchester, July 23 (NationPress) Following a wicketless first session, England made a strong comeback by dismissing India's openers and their captain, Shubman Gill, leaving the visitors at 149/3 after 52 overs at tea on the opening day of the fourth Test in the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy series at Old Trafford on Wednesday.
India, having scored 78 runs in the first session, managed to add 71 runs in the post-lunch period but lost three crucial wickets. Chris Woakes, Ben Stokes, and Liam Dawson each claimed a wicket, giving England the advantage in this session.
India will be looking to B. Sai Sudharsan (26 not out from 77 balls) and Rishabh Pant (three not out from eight balls) to build a solid partnership as they aim to finish the day on a high note. The session kicked off with Yashasvi Jaiswal hitting Brydon Carse for consecutive boundaries, before Woakes finally got the breakthrough.
On the final delivery of the 30th over, a back-of-the-length ball from Woakes found Rahul's edge while he attempted a punch shot, resulting in Zak Crawley taking the catch at third slip. Rahul departed for 46, ending a 94-run opening partnership.
Jaiswal registered a commendable 12th Test half-century, but fell shortly after the drinks break. Dawson, making his return after an eight-year hiatus, took his first Test wicket with only his seventh delivery. Jaiswal, looking to defend, edged the ball to Brook at first slip, departing for 58.
Dawson, who replaced the injured Shoaib Bashir, managed to contain Sudharsan effectively. Sudharsan was nearly dismissed on 20, thanks to a mishap by Jamie Smith off Stokes’ bowling.
Stokes struck next, dismissing Gill who was caught on the pads by an in-ducker. The on-field umpire, Rod Tucker, ruled him out, and despite Gill’s review, replays confirmed the ball had hit the top of the off-stump, ending the India skipper's innings at 12. Stokes and England celebrated after a previously wicketless session.
Brief scores:
India 149/3 in 52 overs (Yashasvi Jaiswal 58, KL Rahul 46; Liam Dawson 1-21, Ben Stokes 1-24) against England