• Sai Sudharsan's determined 61 anchored India's first day of the fourth Test against England.

  • England’s persistent bowling was blunted as India’s disciplined batting took them to 264/4 at the end of Day 1.

ENG vs IND: Fans react as Sai Sudharsan leads India’s promising Day 1 of the fourth Test against England
Fans react as Sai Sudharsan and Indian batter's resilience power India against England on Day 1 of the fourth Test (Image source: X)

A series-defining contest began with high anticipation as England took on India in the fourth Test at Old Trafford, Manchester on July 23, 2025. With India trailing 1-2 and searching for their first-ever victory at this legendary venue, the stakes were raised further by England electing to bowl first under cloudy skies and with a seam-friendly pitch on offer. Both teams made significant changes to their playing XIs, intensifying the narrative of a pivotal Test in this captivating series.

Sai Sudharsan’s gritty knock against England under pressure

The spotlight belonged firmly to Sai Sudharsan, the young southpaw thrust into the No. 3 role amid much uncertainty and after a faltering debut earlier in the series. Walking out after the fall of India’s first wicket at 94, Sudharsan batted with a blend of patience and grit that belied his inexperience. Facing a relentless England attack in challenging conditions, he steered the innings with composure, compiling a vital 61 off 151 balls, highlighted by seven well-timed boundaries.

His journey to a maiden Test fifty was particularly meaningful, marking the first time an Indian No. 3 had reached the milestone at Old Trafford since 1990, and ending India’s long search for stability at this position in SENA (South Africa, England, New Zealand, Australia) countries. The southpaw absorbed pressure deftly, first consolidating after early wickets, then building crucial partnerships—including a 95-run stand with the returning Rishabh Pant for the fourth wicket. Sudharsan’s knock not only steadied India but drew widespread admiration from fans and pundits, who celebrated his temperament and discipline as a potential turning point in his Test career.

Supporting Sudharsan, openers Yashasvi Jaiswal (58) and KL Rahul (46) laid a solid foundation with a determined 94-run stand, negotiating the new ball and frustrating England’s bowlers in disciplined fashion. Even after the heartening start, there were anxious moments—especially when skipper Shubman Gill fell cheaply and Wicketkeeper-batter Pant was forced to retire hurt after a promising 37, compounding India’s concerns at 212/4; yet, the middle order’s resolve kept the innings afloat.

England’s persistence with the ball on Day 1 of the fourth Test

In bowling-friendly conditions, England’s attack remained probing and seldom allowed India easy runs. Skipper Ben Stokes led from the front, striking twice—including the vital breakthrough of Sudharsan with a well-directed short ball, caught at fine leg. Chris Woakes and Liam Dawson chipped in with crucial wickets, while Jofra Archer and Brydon Carse created frequent chances with their pace and movement despite going wicket less.

Throughout the day, England engineered several key moments—breaking the opening partnership just before lunch, picking up wickets in clusters after long periods of Indian resistance, and keeping run-scoring in check with sustained discipline. The forced retirement of Pant, due to injury on his foot, further tilted momentum and presented England a late-day opening to exploit. However, Ravindra Jadeja (19*) and Shardul Thakur (19*) batted out the final overs, taking India to a relatively secure 264/4 by stumps after 83 overs.

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Akash Thapa is a dedicated cricket journalist with three years of experience in the media industry. A BA (JMC) graduate from VIPS, GGSIPU, and a postgraduate in MAJMC from the University of Lucknow, Akash combines his academic credentials with a deep-rooted passion for cricket.His background as a former junior-level wrestler and cricketer enriches his insightful analysis and commentary on the game. Known for his inventive approach to writing and his commitment to capturing the nuances of cricket, Akash is a true aficionado of the sport.Connect with Akash on , , and .