The fourth Test of the much-anticipated India vs England 2025 series kicked off at Old Trafford, Manchester, with high drama and standout performances. After being put into bat on a cloudy morning, India posted a solid 264/4 at stumps on Day 1, thanks to a gritty fifty from Yashasvi Jaiswal and a composed knock by debutant Sai Sudharsan. However, the day wasn’t without concern, as star wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant suffered a freak injury during his innings and had to be stretchered off the field. With England leading the series 2-1, this match carries huge significance for both teams in the newly established Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy.
🏏 Match Overview (Day 1 & 2 highlights)
Batting Snapshot
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India closed Day 1 at 264/4, with solid starts from:
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Yashasvi Jaiswal – 58 (107 b, 10×4s)
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KL Rahul – 46 (98 b)
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Sai Sudharsan – 61 (151 b)
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Jaiswal’s Historic Knock
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Jaiswal became the first Indian in 50 years to score a half-century at Old Trafford, equalling Mohammad Azharuddin’s landmark.
Rishabh Pant’s Injury Woe
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Attempting a reverse-sweep off Chris Woakes, Pant was injured, swelling dramatically on his foot. He retired hurt and was taken off in an ambulance cart. Initial reports suggest a suspected metatarsal fracture, with scans underway. India’s medical team offered no official update yet.
England’s Tactical Mastery
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Captain Ben Stokes won the toss and opted to bowl—no team has ever won a Test at Old Trafford after doing so. Stokes also clocked a personal record for most overs bowled in a single India series.
Team Decisions & Momentum
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India introduced Anshul Kamboj (seam debut), along with Sai Sudharsan and Shardul Thakur, while Karun Nair, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Akash Deep were dropped.
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Overcast skies played into England’s hands, prompting their decision to field a seam-friendly attack.
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Early rain threats on Day 2 dissipated later, swinging momentum back toward India.
Series Context & Stakes
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This Test is part of the Anderson–Tendulkar Trophy, newly introduced in 2025 for India–England Tests.
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The five-Test series currently stands at England 2–1 India. A win for England here would seal the series; a victory for India would force a thrilling decider at The Oval.
What to Watch Next
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Pant’s condition — Will he return later in this Test or the series?
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Weather interruptions — More showers could stall proceedings, aiding seamers.
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India’s ability to recover — Can the lower order and Jadeja–Thakur partnership push India past 350?
