Day one of the fourth Test between India and England at Emirates Old Trafford, Manchester, on July 23, 2025, concluded with India posting a respectable 264 for 4 at stumps. However, the day was overshadowed by a severe foot injury to star wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant, forcing him to retire hurt and casting a shadow over his continued participation in the match.
England captain Ben Stokes won the toss and elected to bowl, a decision influenced by the overcast conditions and a pitch described as firm with some grass. India’s playing XI saw three changes from their previous match, with Sai Sudharsan replacing Karun, and debutant Anshul Kamboj along with Shardul Thakur coming in for the injured Akash Deep (groin injury) and Nitish Reddy (knee injury). England also made a change, bringing in Liam Dawson for the injured Shoaib Bashir. (NDTV Sports)
India’s innings began on a solid note, with openers Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul building a strong 94-run partnership. KL Rahul, batting confidently, equalled Sunil Gavaskar’s record by becoming only the second Indian opener to score over 1000 runs in away Test matches. Jaiswal also showed composure, reaching his half-century off 96 balls, a notable shift from his aggressive approach in previous innings. The duo successfully navigated the first session, taking India to 78 for no loss at lunch. (NDTV Sports)
The second session saw England fight back, claiming three crucial wickets. Chris Woakes provided the first breakthrough, dismissing KL Rahul for a well-made 46. Shortly after, Liam Dawson accounted for Yashasvi Jaiswal, who departed after scoring 58. India’s captain Shubman Gill, who came in at number four, was then trapped LBW by Ben Stokes for just 12 runs, wasting a review in the process. Despite the wickets, Sai Sudharsan, making a comeback to the playing XI, showed resilience, reaching his maiden Test fifty with a fine knock of 61 runs. (NDTV Sports)
The most concerning moment of the day occurred in the 68th over when Rishabh Pant, who had scored a quick 37 off 48 balls, attempted a reverse-sweep off Chris Woakes. The fast delivery struck his right foot, causing immediate and severe pain. The area quickly swelled and began bleeding, leaving Pant unable to stand. An ambulance cart was brought onto the field to take him off, and he was subsequently transported to a hospital for scans and further treatment. Ravindra Jadeja replaced him at the crease. This injury raises significant doubts about Pant’s availability for the remainder of the match, a major blow for India, especially given his recent form and historical milestones. Earlier in his innings, Pant had become the first wicketkeeper to score over 1000 Test runs in an away country, achieving this feat with a six. (Times of India, NDTV Sports)
Following Pant’s retirement, Sai Sudharsan was dismissed by Ben Stokes, caught at fine leg while attempting a pull shot. At stumps, Ravindra Jadeja (19*) and Shardul Thakur (19*) were at the crease, having added valuable runs. Ben Stokes was the pick of the English bowlers, finishing with figures of 2 for 47. The umpires called for early stumps due to poor light, a decision that India’s batsmen, particularly Ravindra Jadeja, had been pushing for. The day ended with India at 264 for 4 after 83 overs, setting the stage for an intriguing second day, heavily influenced by the severity of Rishabh Pant’s injury.
