The fourth Test match between India and England, a pivotal clash in the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, unfolded with high drama on July 23, 2025, at Old Trafford, Manchester. The IND vs ENG series, with England leading 2-1, has been a rollercoaster of emotions, and Day 1 of this encounter was no exception. The Indian team, trailing in the series, faced a significant setback when their dynamic wicketkeeper-batter, Rishabh Pant, was forced to retire hurt after a painful foot injury. Despite this blow, India showed resilience, ending the day at 258/4, with Ravindra Jadeja and Shardul Thakur stabilizing the innings. This article delves into the key moments of the day, Pant’s injury, India’s response, and the broader context of the IND vs ENG battle, while also exploring the implications for the remainder of the Test.
A Solid Start for India in the IND vs ENG Clash
The IND vs ENG encounter began with England captain Ben Stokes winning the toss and opting to bowl first, citing favorable overhead conditions and a pitch with some grass cover. India, led by Shubman Gill, fielded a slightly altered lineup, with Sai Sudharsan, Shardul Thakur, and debutant Anshul Kamboj coming into the XI. The absence of Nitish Kumar Reddy and Akash Deep due to injuries forced India to rethink their strategy, moving away from their preferred three-all-rounder combination.
India’s openers, Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul, provided a solid foundation, steering the team to 78/0 at lunch. Jaiswal, overcoming the challenge posed by Jofra Archer, played with fluency, reaching his third fifty of the series. His aggressive yet calculated approach set the tone for India’s innings. Rahul, on the other hand, showcased his experience, anchoring the innings with a composed performance. Their 94-run opening stand gave India a strong platform, but the second session brought challenges that tested the team’s depth.
The Afternoon Session: England Strikes Back
The post-lunch session in the IND vs ENG Test saw England claw their way back into the game. The hosts, led by their pace attack, dismissed both openers and captain Shubman Gill in quick succession. Jaiswal fell after a well-made fifty, while Rahul’s departure left India at 140/3. Gill, who had scored a staggering 585 runs in the first two Tests, struggled in Manchester, managing only 12 runs before falling to Ben Stokes. This flurry of wickets shifted the momentum, and England sensed an opportunity to dominate.
However, the arrival of Rishabh Pant and Sai Sudharsan at the crease marked a turning point. Pant, known for his audacious strokeplay, and Sudharsan, playing only his second Test of the series, stitched together a crucial 72-run partnership. Their stand steadied the Indian innings, with Pant’s aggressive intent complementing Sudharsan’s gritty approach. Pant’s ability to take on the bowlers, including a audacious reverse sweep and a towering six off Brydon Carse, electrified the Old Trafford crowd. This partnership was a testament to India’s fighting spirit in the IND vs ENG series, but it was cut short by a moment of misfortune.
Rishabh Pant’s Injury: A Major Blow in the IND vs ENG Test
The defining moment of Day 1 came in the 68th over when Rishabh Pant, batting on 37 off 48 balls, attempted a reverse sweep against Chris Woakes. The ball, a fuller and slower delivery, took an inside edge and struck Pant flush on his right foot, just below the toe. The impact was immediate and severe, with Pant collapsing in agony. England appealed for an LBW, but replays confirmed an under-edge, sparing Pant from dismissal. However, the real concern was the injury. The Indian physio rushed to the field, and visuals revealed swelling and a small cut near the affected area, with blood visible on Pant’s foot. Unable to stand or walk, Pant was stretchered off the field in a medical cart, a sight that left Indian fans and the team management in distress.
Pant’s departure was a colossal blow for India in the IND vs ENG Test. The 27-year-old wicketkeeper-batter had been in scintillating form, amassing 342 runs in the series at an average of 85.50, including twin centuries in the series opener at Headingley. His fearless approach had made him India’s second-highest run-getter in the series, behind only Shubman Gill. Moreover, Pant had achieved a historic milestone earlier in the day, becoming the first visiting wicketkeeper to score 1,000 Test runs in England, surpassing MS Dhoni’s record. His injury, coupled with his earlier finger injury in the third Test at Lord’s, raised concerns about his availability for the remainder of the match.
Ravindra Jadeja Steps Up: India’s Response to the Crisis
With Pant retired hurt, Ravindra Jadeja walked out to join Sai Sudharsan at the crease. Jadeja, who had scored four consecutive centuries in his last four Test innings, brought stability to the Indian innings. His composed presence was crucial as India navigated a tricky phase. Sudharsan, meanwhile, continued his gritty knock, reaching a maiden Test half-century. The 23-year-old’s 61 off 151 balls was a display of resilience, though he fell to Ben Stokes late in the day, edging a pull shot to the keeper.
Jadeja, alongside Shardul Thakur, ensured India ended the day on a relatively strong note at 258/4. The pair’s cautious approach, especially in the fading light, helped India avoid further damage. The umpires, concerned about poor lighting conditions, even brought out their light meters, but play continued with England opting to bowl spin through Liam Dawson to improve the over rate. Jadeja’s ability to defend stoutly and Thakur’s steady presence at the crease highlighted India’s depth, a recurring theme in the IND vs ENG series.
Pant’s Injury History: A Cause for Concern
Rishabh Pant’s injury in Manchester was not an isolated incident. In the third Test at Lord’s, Pant had suffered a blow to his left index finger while wicketkeeping, forcing him to leave the field. Dhruv Jurel took over the gloves for the remainder of that match, and there were doubts about Pant’s participation in Manchester. However, Pant had signaled his intent to play, sharing a training video that showed him batting fluently and fielding without discomfort. His captain, Shubman Gill, had also confirmed that Pant’s finger injury was not serious, and he was expected to be fit for the fourth Test.
The latest foot injury, however, appeared more severe. Reports indicated swelling and bleeding, with Pant unable to put weight on his foot. The Indian team management awaited further偶
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IND vs ENG: Rishabh Pant’s Injury Blow and India’s Resilience on Day 1 of the 4th Test in Manchester
The fourth Test of the IND vs ENG series, part of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, began on July 23, 2025, at Old Trafford, Manchester, with England leading 2-1. Day 1 was marked by drama, particularly Rishabh Pant’s injury, but India showed resilience to end at 258/4. This article summarizes the key moments, Pant’s setback, and the broader context of the IND vs ENG battle.
A Promising Start for India in the IND vs ENG Clash
England’s Ben Stokes won the toss and chose to bowl, citing favorable conditions. India, captained by Shubman Gill, included Sai Sudharsan, Shardul Thakur, and debutant Anshul Kamboj in their XI due to injuries to Nitish Kumar Reddy and Akash Deep. Openers Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul started strongly, reaching 78/0 at lunch. Jaiswal’s fluent fifty and Rahul’s composed batting set a solid foundation in this crucial IND vs ENG encounter.
England’s Fightback in the Afternoon
The second session saw England strike back in the IND vs ENG Test. Jaiswal and Rahul fell after a 94-run stand, followed by Gill’s dismissal for 12, leaving India at 140/3. Pant and Sudharsan then forged a vital 72-run partnership, with Pant’s aggressive 37, including a six off Brydon Carse, lifting India past 200. Their stand was critical in steadying the innings.
Pant’s Injury: A Turning Point in the IND vs ENG Test
In the 68th over, Pant, batting on 37, attempted a reverse sweep against Chris Woakes. The ball edged onto his right foot, causing severe pain, swelling, and bleeding. Unable to walk, he was stretchered off, a significant blow for India in the IND vs ENG series. Pant, who had earlier become the first visiting wicketkeeper to score 1,000 Test runs in England, left India at 212/3.
Jadeja and Thakur Steady the Ship
Ravindra Jadeja replaced Pant, joining Sudharsan, who scored a gritty 61 before falling to Stokes. Jadeja and Shardul Thakur navigated fading light and spin from Liam Dawson, ensuring India ended at 258/4. Their resilience highlighted India’s depth in this IND vs ENG battle, despite the loss of Pant.
Pant’s Injury Concerns and Historical Context
Pant’s injury added to concerns after a finger injury in the third Test at Lord’s, where Dhruv Jurel took over wicketkeeping. Despite clearance for Manchester, the foot injury’s severity—visible swelling and blood—raised doubts about his further participation. His 342 runs at 85.50, including twin centuries, made his exit a major setback in the IND vs ENG series.
Looking Ahead in the IND vs ENG Series
India’s 258/4 offers hope, but Pant’s potential absence could impact their strategy. Jadeja’s form and Sudharsan’s grit provide optimism, but England’s pace attack and the new ball loom as threats. The IND vs ENG Test remains finely poised, with India needing to regroup to level the series.
