The Impressive TimesManchester [UK], July 23 : India delivered a strong and composed performance during the first session of the fourth Test against England at Old Trafford, Manchester. Finishing the session at 78/0, India’s opening pair of KL Rahul (40*) and Yashasvi Jaiswal (36*) set the tone for what former head coach Ravi Shastri termed a “world-class” display of batting.
Speaking on Sky Sports, Shastri commended the Indian team for striking the “right mix between caution and aggression.” With overcast skies and a hint of swing in the air, India showed patience early on, leaving deliveries with confidence and respecting the good balls. As the session progressed, they shifted gears tactfully, accelerating towards the final overs.
“Given the conditions — some movement, overcast skies, and an experienced England bowling attack — this was a proper session. They left well, defended well, and then started pushing. KL Rahul looked solid and unshakeable,” said Shastri.
On the other hand, former England skipper Nasser Hussain noted England’s missed opportunities. He believed England would consider themselves “unlucky” for not picking up a wicket despite creating chances. “Woakes had Jaiswal in a bit of trouble early on, and there were quite a few balls beating the edge. But they didn’t bowl full enough to force errors,” Hussain added, also observing that Brydon Carse appeared off-rhythm, lacking penetration.
England had won the toss for the fourth time in the series and chose to bowl first, hoping to exploit the early conditions. With the series standing at 2-1 in England’s favour, this Test is crucial for India, who must win to stay alive. A loss here would hand England the series and mark the end of a tough overseas tour for the Indian side.
The day’s start has laid a strong foundation for India’s innings. With Captain Shubman Gill, Rishabh Pant, and Ravindra Jadeja yet to bat, India will look to capitalize on this platform and post a challenging first-innings total.
At Lunch: India – 78/0 (KL Rahul 40, Yashasvi Jaiswal 36)**
England (Playing XI): Crawley, Duckett, Pope, Root, Brook, Stokes (c), Smith (wk), Dawson, Woakes, Carse, Archer
India (Playing XI): Jaiswal, Rahul, Sudharsan, Gill (c), Pant (wk), Jadeja, Sundar, Thakur, Bumrah, Siraj, Kamboj
No Comments: