The fourth Test of the India vs England five-match series is underway in Manchester. On Day Two, India suffered a key blow as all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja was dismissed after scoring 20 runs off 40 deliveries. Jofra Archer claimed his wicket with a well-directed delivery that forced a breakthrough for England.
India, however, recovered quickly with Shardul Thakur and Washington Sundar steadying the innings. The duo took India past the 300-run mark as the day progressed. The team started the second day at 264 for 4 and has since lost one more wicket but remained firm on the crease thanks to the lower-order resistance.
Jadeja Departs, Archer Strikes at Crucial Time
The day began with high expectations as Ravindra Jadeja and Shardul Thakur resumed India’s innings. Jadeja, known for his fighting spirit, failed to convert his start into a big score. He was dismissed by Jofra Archer while batting on 20. His 40-ball stay included some promising strokes, but he couldn’t build a strong partnership.
Archer’s breakthrough was important for England, who were looking to contain India early on Day Two. With Rishabh Pant unavailable due to injury, Jadeja’s dismissal put extra pressure on the lower middle order.
Rishabh Pant Injured, Won’t Bat in the First Innings
India’s wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant has suffered a serious injury to his foot. According to initial reports, Pant was hit on his foot during Day One by a delivery from Chris Woakes. The ball struck him near the toe region, forcing him to leave the field.
Scans later confirmed a fracture, ruling him out of the first innings. He was declared retired hurt at 37 and will not return to bat. There remains uncertainty over whether he will bat in the second innings. However, it is confirmed that Pant will not keep wickets in this Test match.
This injury is a massive blow to India’s balance in the ongoing Ind vs Eng 4th Test. Pant was looking in good touch and his absence will likely affect both India’s batting depth and wicketkeeping strength.
Sundar and Thakur Take Charge After Jadeja’s Fall
After Jadeja’s dismissal, Washington Sundar and Shardul Thakur took responsibility. Both players batted sensibly to stabilize the innings. India, at one point 266 for 5, gradually approached the 300-run mark. Their partnership helped rebuild momentum after Archer’s strike.
India’s first-innings total will be crucial in this match. With Pant injured, the team needs to make the most of the lower-order contributions. Shardul and Sundar’s calm presence ensured that England didn’t run through the tail quickly. Their innings added vital runs, giving India a chance to post a competitive total.
Jaiswal and Sudharsan Shine With Half-Centuries on Day One
Earlier in the match, India had gained a solid foundation through their top order. Yashasvi Jaiswal and Sai Sudharsan played mature innings on Day One. Both players scored half-centuries and displayed excellent temperament against the English attack.
Jaiswal was particularly impressive, playing with confidence and control. Sudharsan provided solid support, rotating strike and punishing loose deliveries. Their partnership gave India the early momentum they needed to set up a respectable total.
India Needs a Big First-Innings Score to Stay Ahead
With Pant injured and the tail exposed early, India now needs a substantial first-innings total. The team’s strategy will likely be to push past 400 to stay ahead. Given the conditions and England’s strong batting lineup, India must post a challenging score.
Without Pant, the team’s batting depth has taken a hit. Sundar and Thakur will need to extend their stand as long as possible. A total of around 450 could give the Indian bowlers a solid platform to attack. England, meanwhile, will aim to keep India under 350 to take control.
England Win the Toss, Elect to Field First in Manchester
England won the toss at the start of the match and chose to field first. The decision was based on the overcast conditions and green surface at Old Trafford. Their bowlers, including Chris Woakes, Jofra Archer, and James Anderson, made good use of the conditions on Day One.
Despite losing the toss, India handled the early swing well, especially through their young openers. The top order showed patience, leaving deliveries outside off and punishing errors in line. However, wickets continued to fall at regular intervals, slowing the run rate.
Uncertainty Around Pant’s Role in the Second Innings
There is still no official word from BCCI regarding Rishabh Pant’s availability in the second innings. The team management has not confirmed whether he will bat again in this match. Given the nature of the injury, it appears unlikely that Pant will return unless absolutely necessary.
This uncertainty also affects India’s wicketkeeping duties. Pant will not keep wickets in the rest of the Test, and a replacement behind the stumps has already been arranged. The injury has raised concerns about Pant’s participation in the remaining matches of the series.
Match Context: The Fourth Test in a Tightly Fought Series
The current India vs England Test series stands at a crucial stage. With both teams aiming to take a lead, the fourth Test at Manchester holds great importance. The series has seen ups and downs, with both sides winning matches and showcasing high-quality cricket.
India’s performance in this Test could decide the momentum going into the final game. A strong first innings would be key to keeping England under pressure. The visitors will also want to exploit the absence of Rishabh Pant and bowl India out quickly.
Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma’s Form Remains Under Focus
India’s senior players, including Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, have had mixed performances in this series. In this Test, they failed to convert starts into big scores. Their contribution in the second innings will be important for India’s chances of winning.
As younger players like Jaiswal and Sudharsan step up, the senior pros will need to anchor the innings. Kohli’s form has been under scrutiny, and fans are hoping for a strong comeback. Rohit too needs to provide leadership through performance in the second innings.
Day Two of the India vs England 4th Test has brought a combination of hope and concern. While India moved close to 300 with good partnerships, Jadeja’s dismissal and Pant’s injury hurt their progress. The team will now look to push for a total that keeps them ahead in this contest.
Sundar and Thakur’s partnership will be vital in the coming sessions. Meanwhile, updates on Rishabh Pant’s condition remain awaited. With the series finely balanced, every run and every wicket could be decisive. India’s response in the second innings, especially without their first-choice keeper, will define the direction of this Test.
