India vs England 4th Test, Day 1: India Dominates with 264/4 -Best11.in
Sai Sudharsan's Maiden Fifty Shines Despite Rishabh Pant's Injury Scare - Ind vs Eng 4th Test
At the end of the first day of the fourth Test between India and England, if asked whose day it was and who has the advantage, it is certainly India’s day with a edge. However, the disappointment and pain come from thinking about Rishabh Pant. He had injury issues in the previous Test, and in this one, after getting hit on his leg by an Ollie Pope delivery, he was in such a state that he could not even stand or walk properly. He had to be taken off the field in a buggy. This is especially heartbreaking since he achieved a milestone—becoming the first visiting wicket keeper to score 1,000 runs in England—before retiring hurt.
Today was also unforgettable for Sai Sudharsan, as he scored his maiden Test half-century. Yashasvi Jaiswal also notched a half-century, while KL Rahul contributed a solid 46 runs. India managed the first session brilliantly, losing only four wickets by stumps. At the close, India stood at 264 for 4 in 83 overs.
England, having won the toss, chose to bowl, which makes India’s loss of just four wickets even more significant. The opening partnership between Jaiswal and Rahul carried India past the first session. However, Rahul was the first to fall, dismissed for 46 off 98 balls, caught by Zak Crawley off Chris Woakes when India’s score was 94. Sai Sudharsan played superbly, scoring 61 off 151 balls, while Jaiswal made 58 off 107 balls before being caught by Harry Brook off Liam Dawson, who claimed his first wicket on his Test comeback.
Captain Shubman Gill could not shine, scoring 12 off 23 balls. Rishabh Pant, batting with Sudharsan, scored 37 off 48 balls before retiring hurt. Currently, Ravindra Jadeja and Shardul Thakur are at the crease, both unbeaten on 19. Tomorrow is a huge day, and it is noteworthy that India sent Shardul Thakur ahead of Washington Sunday to bat.
For India to consolidate their grip, a long innings from the current batsmen is crucial. Among those to come, Washington Sunday can contribute with the bat, and Anshul Kamboj has shown some promise too. The biggest concern is Rishabh Pant, a key player in this situation. If his injury is not severe—no fracture—he might return to bat in this Test, which is what we hope for. At stumps, India is 264 for 4. For England, Ben Stokes led the bowling with 2 wickets for 47 runs in 14 overs, while Chris Woakes and Liam Dawson took one wicket each.
