Key Turning Points at Old Trafford

Manchester, 23 July 2025 – England’s decision to field first under brooding skies paid dividends as India’s middle-order linchpin Rishabh Pant retired hurt after a brutal blow to the foot, shifting momentum in a tense fourth Test. Pant’s 37-run partnership with Sai Sudharsan (61) threatened to dominate before Chris Woakes’ delivery triggered a collapse, leaving India at 264-4 at stumps.

Tactical Battles Define Day One

• Stokes’ Masterclass: England’s skipper Ben Stokes (2-47) showcased his all-round brilliance, dismissing Shubman Gill lbw and orchestrating critical breakthroughs. His 14-over spell combined pace and precision, reinforcing his status as the series’ leading wicket-taker (13 scalps).
• Dawson’s Return: Liam Dawson, playing his first Test in eight years, struck gold with his seventh ball to remove Yashasvi Jaiswal (58), injecting control with an economical 3-run economy rate.
• India’s Resilience: Jaiswal and KL Rahul (46) weathered England’s new-ball attack, while Sudharsan’s gritty 151-ball stand highlighted India’s depth despite Pant’s absence.

Injury Clouds Loom Over Pant

Pant’s injury cast a shadow over India’s prospects. The wicketkeeper-batter, already nursing a finger injury from Lord’s, required a stretcher after swelling immobilized his right foot. His potential absence in subsequent innings could destabilize India’s lower order.

Statistical Spotlight

• Toss Curse Continues: India have now lost 14 consecutive international tosses.
• Old Trafford History: No team has won a Test here after opting to field first (0-11 record).
• Stokes’ Redemption: Stokes’ lbw dismissal of Gill followed heated exchanges from the third Test, adding narrative spice to the contest.

Day Two Preview

With the second new ball due at dawn, England’s pace trio of Woakes, Jofra Archer, and Brydon Carse will target Ravindra Jadeja and Shardul Thakur. India’s ability to surpass 350 could hinge on Pant’s recovery and Sudharsan’s replacement, debutant Anshul Kamboj.

Watch highlights: [Jaiswal’s half-century] | [Gill’s controversial dismissal]

Weather Report: Overcast conditions expected to persist, favoring swing bowlers. Play resumes at 11:00 BST.