India vs England 4th Test Day 1 2025: Pant’s Heartbreak, Sudharsan’s Glory, and Stokes’ Bold Gamble

Introduction: A Day of Drama at Old Trafford

India vs England 4th Test Day 1 2025 at Old Trafford was a rollercoaster of emotions for cricket fans. India reached a solid 264/4 in 83 overs, but the day was marred by Rishabh Pant’s heartbreaking foot injury, leaving fans anxious about his return. Sai Sudharsan’s gritty maiden Test fifty and Yashasvi Jaiswal’s fluent 58 anchored India, while Ben Stokes’ bold decision to bowl first under gloomy skies didn’t quite pay off. With England leading the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 2-1, Day 1 set the stage for a thrilling battle. Can India capitalize, or will England’s bowlers strike back? Let’s dive into the highlights, key moments, and what’s next!


Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 2025: Series Context

The Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 2025 has been a blockbuster series, with England holding a 2-1 lead after four Tests. Named after legends James Anderson and Sachin Tendulkar, this five-match series has delivered intense cricket. India started strong in the 1st Test at Headingley, posting 359/3 on Day 1, but England chased 371 to win by 5 wickets. India bounced back with a historic victory at Edgbaston in the 2nd Test, thanks to Shubman Gill’s 265 and Akash Deep’s ten wickets. England regained the lead with a dramatic 22-run win at Lord’s in the 3rd Test, where Ravindra Jadeja’s defiance fell short.

Now, at Old Trafford, India aim to level the series, while England eye the trophy. The absence of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli has put the spotlight on young guns like Gill, Jaiswal, and Sudharsan. With Jasprit Bumrah leading India’s six-bowler attack, the stakes are sky-high.

Series Scorecard Snapshot

TestVenueResultKey Performers
1st TestHeadingleyEngland won by 5 wickets (chased 371)Jaiswal (101), Pant (134), Stokes
2nd TestEdgbastonIndia wonGill (265), Akash Deep (10 wickets)
3rd TestLord’sEngland won by 22 runs (defended 193)Jadeja (72 & 61*), Stokes (77 & 5 wickets)

Cricbuzz


Ben Stokes’ Toss Decision: A Historic Risk

Ben Stokes’ toss decision in the 4th Test 2025 sparked debate when he chose to bowl first under overcast Manchester skies. No team has ever won a Test at Old Trafford after fielding first, making it a bold gamble. Shubman Gill called it a “good toss to lose,” expecting the pitch’s grass and cloud cover to favor bowlers. However, India’s openers, Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul, blunted England’s attack, reaching 78/0 by lunch.

England’s pacers—Chris Woakes, Jofra Archer, and Brydon Carse—struggled for wickets in the first session. Woakes found Jaiswal’s edge twice, but both fell short of the slips. Stokes’ decision looked shaky as India’s run rate stayed above 3.0. Later, Stokes redeemed himself with two wickets (Gill and Sudharsan), but the delay in taking the second new ball due to bad light frustrated England’s plans. Fans on X questioned Stokes’ call, with one post saying, “Stokes made a mess opting to field first. Not a 264/4 pitch!”

Toss Decisions in the Series

TestVenueToss WinnerDecisionOutcome
1st TestHeadingleyEnglandBowl firstEngland won
2nd TestEdgbastonIndiaBat firstIndia won
3rd TestLord’sEnglandBat firstEngland won
4th TestOld TraffordEnglandBowl firstIndia 264/4 (Day 1)

ESPNcricinfo


Yashasvi Jaiswal’s Gritty Fifty: India’s Rock

Yashasvi Jaiswal’s 4th Test performance was a masterclass in resilience. Scoring 58 off 107 balls (10×4, 1×6), he anchored India’s innings with a 94-run opening stand with KL Rahul. Jaiswal survived early scares—Woakes broke his bat handle and found his edge twice—but responded with a driven four and an audacious upper-cut six off Stokes. His fifty (96 balls) marked his third 50+ score in the series and saw him cross 1000 Test runs against England, becoming the joint second-fastest Indian to do so.

Jaiswal’s dismissal by Liam Dawson, edging to Harry Brook at slip, was a blow, but his gritty knock set the tone. Fans on X erupted, with Star Sports tweeting, “Jaiswal’s fifty is pure class! #ENGvIND” (@StarSportsIndia, July 23, 2025). Compared to his 101 at Headingley and 87 at Edgbaston, Jaiswal’s restrained approach at Old Trafford showed his adaptability to English conditions.

Jaiswal’s Series Stats (2025)

MatchRunsBalls4s6sMilestone
1st Test (Headingley)101Century
2nd Test (Edgbaston)87Fifty
3rd Test (Lord’s)
4th Test (Old Trafford)58107101Fifty, 1000 runs vs. England

Sai Sudharsan’s Maiden Test Fifty: A New No. 3 Star?

Sai Sudharsan’s maiden Test fifty 2025 was the highlight of India’s fightback. Replacing Karun Nair, Sudharsan scored 61 off 151 balls (7×4), anchoring the innings after Jaiswal and Rahul fell. Dropped on 20 by Jamie Smith and surviving a leg-slip trap, he showed grit against England’s short-ball ploy. His fifty, off a cover drive against Joe Root, was India’s first by a No. 3 in SENA countries (South Africa, England, New Zealand, Australia) since 2023, sparking hope for a long-term solution at the position.

Sudharsan’s 72-run stand with Pant steadied India, but Ben Stokes dismissed him for the third time this series, with a top-edged pull caught by Brydon Carse at fine leg. X posts praised his composure, with Star Sports noting, “Solid Sai! First Test fifty by an Indian No. 3 in SENA since 2023!” (@StarSportsIndia, July 23, 2025). Sudharsan’s IPL 2025 Orange Cap and domestic record suggest he could be India’s next big thing.

Sudharsan’s Test Career Snapshot

MatchRunsBalls4s6sNotes
1st Test (Headingley)0Debut
3rd Test (Lord’s)30
4th Test (Old Trafford)6115170Maiden fifty

Rishabh Pant’s Injury: A Game-Changing Blow

Rishabh Pant’s injury update 2025 sent shockwaves through the cricket world. In the 68th over, Pant (37* off 48, 2×4, 1×6) attempted a reverse sweep against Chris Woakes, inside-edging a yorker onto his right foot. The blow caused severe swelling and bleeding, leaving him in agony. Unable to stand, Pant was stretchered off via an ambulance buggy for hospital scans, with fans fearing he may miss the rest of the Test. The BCCI is yet to confirm his status, but X posts like “Wishing you a speedy recovery, Champion!” (@imRaghav001, July 23, 2025) reflected fans’ concern.

Before the injury, Pant was electric, sweeping Jofra Archer, lofting Brydon Carse for a six, and reaching 1000 Test runs in England, the first visiting keeper to do so. His 72-run stand with Sudharsan took India past 200, but his exit at 212/3 shifted momentum. Without Pant, India rely on Ravindra Jadeja and Shardul Thakur, with Dhruv Jurel as a potential keeper replacement.

Pant’s 4th Test Innings

BatterRunsBalls4s6sStatus
Rishabh Pant37*4821Retired hurt (foot injury)

England’s Bowling Fightback: Stokes and Dawson Shine

England’s bowlers kept the game in balance despite a wicketless first session. Ben Stokes (2-47) led the charge, dismissing Shubman Gill (12, lbw) and Sudharsan with a clever short-ball tactic. Chris Woakes (1-43) broke the opening stand, getting KL Rahul (46) caught at slip. Liam Dawson (1-45), replacing Shoaib Bashir, marked his Test return after 2,928 days by dismissing Jaiswal. Jofra Archer and Brydon Carse were wicketless but tested India with pace and bounce.

Bad light forced England to bowl spin (Dawson and Joe Root) late, delaying the second new ball. An official warning for a slow over rate added pressure, with Harry Brook’s animated sprints at slip unable to mask the sluggish tempo. England’s three wickets in the second session (Rahul, Jaiswal, Gill) and Pant’s injury gave them hope, but India’s 264/4 kept them ahead.

England’s Bowling Figures (Day 1)

BowlerOversMaidensRunsWicketsEconomy
Chris Woakes1744312.50
Jofra Archer1624402.80
Brydon Carse1616003.80
Ben Stokes1424723.40
Liam Dawson1514513.00
Joe Root501903.80

Key Partnerships: India’s Batting Backbone

India’s batting was built on solid partnerships, with Jaiswal-Rahul and Sudharsan-Pant standing out. The openers’ 94-run stand neutralized England’s new-ball threat, while Sudharsan and Pant added 72 runs to steady the innings post-Tea. Ravindra Jadeja (19*) and Shardul Thakur (19*) ensured no further losses, guiding India to stumps.

Partnership Breakdown

PartnershipRunsBallsKey Batters
1st Wicket94180Jaiswal (58), Rahul (46)
2nd Wicket2661Jaiswal (13), Sudharsan (13)
3rd Wicket2054Gill (12), Sudharsan (7)
4th Wicket72111Sudharsan (28), Pant (37*)
5th Wicket2955Jadeja (19*), Thakur (19*)

Day 2 Outlook: What’s Next?

Day 2, starting at 3:30 PM IST on July 24, 2025, promises a pivotal session. England will take the second new ball immediately, with the pitch showing inconsistent bounce. India, at 264/4, aim for 350+, banking on Jadeja and Thakur. Pant’s injury status is critical—his return could push India toward 400, while his absence may expose the lower order. Weather forecasts predict light showers, and bad light could again disrupt play.

England’s bowlers, led by Stokes and Woakes, will target early wickets, while India’s six-bowler attack (including debutant Anshul Kamboj) awaits England’s batting. Fans on X are buzzing, with one post saying, “If India bat the first hour, 350 is on. England need wickets fast!” (@ESPNcricinfo, July 23, 2025).

Will India cross 350 on Day 2?

  • A) Yes
  • B) No
  • C) Depends on Pant’s return
    Share your vote in the comments!

Fan Reactions: The X Buzz

The cricket world on X was abuzz with Day 1 reactions. Fans lauded Jaiswal’s grit, with @StarSportsIndia tweeting, “Jaiswal’s fifty sets the tone! #ENGvIND” Pant’s injury sparked concern, with @SonySportsNetwk posting, “Fingers crossed for our X-factor! Speedy recovery, Rishabh!” (@SonySportsNetwk, July 23, 2025). Sudharsan’s fifty drew praise, with @BCCI noting, “Solid Sai! A new star at No. 3?” (@BCCI, July 23, 2025). England fans, meanwhile, backed Stokes’ fightback, with @TheBarmyArmy tweeting, “Stokesy’s got this! Carse catches Sudharsan!” (@TheBarmyArmy, July 23, 2025).


Your Questions Answered

Q: What happened to Rishabh Pant in the 4th Test?
A: Rishabh Pant injury update 2025 Pant retired hurt after inside-edging a Chris Woakes yorker onto his right foot, causing swelling and bleeding. He’s undergoing scans, with no BCCI update yet.

Q: How did Sai Sudharsan perform in the 4th Test?
A: Sudharsan scored a gritty 61 off 151 balls, his maiden Test fifty, anchoring India at No. 3 before falling to Stokes.

Q: Why did Ben Stokes choose to bowl first?
A: Stokes opted to bowl under overcast skies, expecting seam movement, but India’s 264/4 showed the pitch wasn’t as bowler-friendly as hoped.

Q: What is the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy?
A: It’s the five-Test series between India and England in 2025, named after James Anderson and Sachin Tendulkar. England lead 2-1.


Conclusion: A Day of Highs and Lows

India vs England 4th Test Day 1 2025 was a tale of resilience and heartbreak. Sai Sudharsan’s maiden fifty and Yashasvi Jaiswal’s gritty 58 gave India a strong 264/4, but Rishabh Pant’s injury cast a shadow. Ben Stokes’ toss gamble didn’t fully pay off, yet his two wickets kept England in the game. With the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy on the line, Day 2’s first hour will be crucial. Will India push for 350, or can England’s bowlers turn the tide? Follow IPL Star for live updates, and share your predictions below!


FAQs: India vs England 4th Test Day 1 2025

  1. What happened on India vs England 4th Test Day 1 2025 at Old Trafford?
    India vs England 4th Test Day 1 2025 On July 23, 2025, India reached 264/4 in 83 overs on Day 1 of the 4th Test at Old Trafford. Yashasvi Jaiswal scored 58, Sai Sudharsan made a maiden Test fifty (61), and Rishabh Pant retired hurt at 37* due to a foot injury. Ben Stokes took 2 wickets, but his decision to bowl first backfired as India dominated early. Bad light stopped play early, setting up a crucial Day 2.
  2. What is the latest Rishabh Pant injury update 2025?
    Rishabh Pant injury update 2025 Rishabh Pant’s injury update 2025 remains uncertain after he was struck on the right foot by a Chris Woakes yorker in the 68th over, causing swelling and bleeding. Pant, scoring 37*, was stretchered off for scans. The BCCI hasn’t confirmed his status, but fans on X expressed concern, with posts like “Get well soon, Rishabh!” (@SonySportsNetwk, July 23, 2025).
  3. How did Sai Sudharsan perform in his maiden Test fifty 2025?
    Sai Sudharsan maiden Test fifty 2025 Sai Sudharsan’s maiden Test fifty 2025 saw him score 61 off 151 balls at No. 3, anchoring India’s innings. Dropped on 20 by Jamie Smith, he survived Ben Stokes’ short-ball tactic before falling to a top-edged pull. His gritty knock, praised on X (@BCCI), makes him a contender for India’s long-term No. 3 role.
  4. What was Yashasvi Jaiswal’s 4th Test performance in 2025?
    Yashasvi Jaiswal’s 4th Test performance included a gritty 58 (107 balls, 10×4, 1×6), with a 94-run opening stand alongside KL Rahul. He reached 1000 Test runs against England but was dismissed by Liam Dawson. Fans lauded his adaptability, with @StarSportsIndia tweeting, “Jaiswal’s fifty is pure class!” (July 23, 2025).
  5. Why did Ben Stokes’ toss decision in 4th Test 2025 spark debate?
    Ben Stokes’ toss decision in 4th Test 2025 to bowl first under overcast skies was risky, as no team has won at Old Trafford after fielding first. India’s 78/0 by lunch made it look like a misstep, though Stokes’ 2-47 kept England in the game. Fans on X called it a “huge gamble” (@TheBarmyArmy, July 23, 2025).
  6. What is the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 2025 series?
    The Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 2025 series is a five-Test battle between India and England, named after James Anderson and Sachin Tendulkar. England lead 2-1 after wins at Headingley and Lord’s, with India victorious at Edgbaston. The 4th Test is crucial for India to level the series.
  7. How did England’s bowlers perform on India vs England 4th Test Day 1 2025?
    India vs England 4th Test Day 1 2025 On India vs England 4th Test Day 1 2025, Ben Stokes (2-47) and Liam Dawson (1-45) led England’s fightback, dismissing Shubman Gill and Jaiswal. Chris Woakes (1-43) got KL Rahul, but Jofra Archer and Brydon Carse were wicketless. Bad light forced spin, delaying the new ball.
  8. How did India’s batting fare on Day 1 of the 4th Test 2025?
    India vs England 4th Test Day 1 2025 India scored 264/4, with Jaiswal (58), Rahul (46), and Sudharsan (61) shining. Pant’s 37* ended with an injury, while Jadeja (19*) and Thakur (19*) were unbeaten. The 94-run opening stand and 72-run Pant-Sudharsan partnership were key.
  9. What’s the outlook for Day 2 of India vs England 4th Test 2025?
    India vs England 4th Test Day 1 2025 Day 2 (July 24, 2025) starts at 3:30 PM IST, with India at 264/4. Jadeja and Thakur aim for 350+, but England’s new ball could strike early. Pant’s injury status and possible showers add uncertainty. Fans predict a tight battle (@ESPNcricinfo, July 23, 2025).
  10. Where can I watch India vs England 4th Test Day 1 2025 highlights?
    India vs England 4th Test Day 1 2025 Highlights for India vs England 4th Test Day 1 2025 are available on JioHotstar, Star Sports, and BBC iPlayer. Check IPL Star for detailed recaps and X for fan reactions. Stay tuned for Day 2 updates!

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