Did Bad Light Cut Short India's Innings on Day One of the 4th Test?
Click to start listening
Synopsis
In a gripping Day One of the fourth Test at Old Trafford, India reached 264/4, thanks to B Sai Sudharsan's debut fifty. However, concerns arise with Rishabh Pant's injury as bad light cuts play short. Will India maintain their momentum in this crucial match?
Key Takeaways
- B Sai Sudharsan scored his maiden Test fifty with an impressive 61 runs.
- Rishabh Pant suffered a right foot injury, raising concerns for India's batting lineup.
- India finished Day One at 264/4 after 83 overs.
- Bad light led to an early end of play at Old Trafford.
- The performance of India's bowlers will be crucial in response to England's innings.
Manchester, July 23 (NationPress) Bad light forced an early end to Day One of the fourth Test in the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy series at Old Trafford, with India finishing at 264/4 in 83 overs, largely thanks to B Sai Sudharsan's remarkable 61 – marking his first fifty in Test cricket.
Sudharsan, who made his way back into the playing eleven in place of Karun Nair, experienced a shaky start and was even dropped on 20. However, the left-handed batsman flourished by striking seven boundaries in his innings of 151 balls on a challenging pitch under cloudy conditions.
Yashasvi Jaiswal contributed a resilient 58 while forming a 94-run opening partnership with KL Rahul, who scored 46. However, India's focus also shifted to Rishabh Pant, who had to leave the field due to a right foot injury after scoring 37. He has been sent for scans after sustaining a serious blow, and the severity of his injury could impact the match outcome.
The final session commenced with Sudharsan hooking Jofra Archer for a boundary, followed by a stylish pull for another. Rishabh Pant amazed the crowd with a front-foot sweep off Archer, and then attempted an audacious reverse-ramp.
Pant then sent Brydon Carse over long-on for a six, as he and Sudharsan reached fifty in their aggressive partnership, pushing India past 200. However, during the 68th over, Pant attempted a reverse-sweep off Chris Woakes, but under-edged the ball onto his right foot.
Despite England using a review for an LBW, Pant appeared to be in serious discomfort, with the swelling on his foot resembling a table tennis ball. Eventually, a buggy resembling a golf cart took a grimacing Pant off the field after he retired hurt on 37, following a partnership of 72 runs with Sudharsan.
Sudharsan then achieved his maiden Test fifty in 174 balls with a sharp drive through cover off Joe Root. However, Ben Stokes’ short ball strategy worked as Sudharsan was cramped for space and top-edged a pull to long leg, marking the third time Stokes dismissed him in this series.
As bad light led England to employ spinners from both ends, Jadeja and Shardul Thakur, who were both not out on 19, managed to strike three boundaries between them before the conclusion of a dramatic day in Test cricket.
Brief scores:
India 264/4 in 83 overs (B. Sai Sudharsan 61, Yashasvi Jaiswal 58; Ben Stokes 2-47, Chris Woakes 1-43) against England
Point of View
It's evident that while India's middle order displayed resilience today, Rishabh Pant's injury poses a significant concern. It’s crucial for the team to adapt quickly and maintain their focus in the upcoming days, as the series hangs in the balance.
NationPress
24/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the main highlight of Day One?
The standout performance was by B Sai Sudharsan, who scored his maiden Test fifty, finishing with a score of 61.
Why did play end early on Day One?
Play was cut short due to bad light conditions at Old Trafford.
What happened to Rishabh Pant during the match?
Rishabh Pant suffered a right foot injury and had to retire hurt after scoring 37 runs.
How did India perform overall on the first day?
India ended Day One at 264/4, showcasing solid performances from Sudharsan and Jaiswal.
What are the implications of Pant's injury for the match?
Pant's injury could significantly impact India's batting order and strategy in the remaining days of the Test.
