Match & Context
Heroic India Resists England Attack Day 1 On 23 July 2025, England’s captain Ben Stokes claimed victory in the toss for the fourth consecutive Test and opted to field first under overcast skies at Emirates Old Trafford, Manchester This decision defied traditional wisdom no team in modern history has ever won a Test at Old Trafford after electing to bowl first but Stokes backed his instinct, relying on the looming cloud cover and expected seam movement
Trailing 1–2 in the series, Stokes and England sensed an opportunity to press for a series-clinching victory, capitalizing on familiar home advantage. India, led by Shubman Gill, faced pressure not only from the scoreboard but also from a spate of injuries, prompting three alterations to their lineup: debutant Anshul Kamboj earned a maiden Test cap alongside Sai Sudharsan and Shardul Thakur, replacing Karun Nair, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Akash Deep
Teams in the Park
India XI:
Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul*, Sai Sudharsan, Shubman Gill(c), Rishabh Pant(w), Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, Shardul Thakur, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Anshul Kamboj.
England XI:
Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes(c), Jamie Smith(w), Liam Dawson, Chris Woakes, Brydon Carse, Jofra Archer
Heroic India Resists England Attack Day 1 Notable inclusions: Liam Dawson, who returned after eight years to offer spin, and Anshul Kamboj, thrust into Test action with intrigue after a spectacular Ranji Trophy 10-fer
Atmosphere & Conditions
Heroic India Resists England Attack Day 1
A crisp morning greeted fans, but entry chaos had already begun. Long queues stretching nearly a mile around the Great Stone Road delayed many ticket holders, with reports of 45-minute waits and no official guidance for frustrated supporters
Heroic India Resists England Attack Day 1 On the field, damp, grass-covered pitch under gray skies promised seam movement. The outfield retained moisture, favoring seamers early, but a dry pitch suggested batsmen might benefit in later periods
First Session: Steady Start for India
England’s new-ball pair Chris Woakes and Jofra Archer set the tone with probing lines and varied pace. Woakes tested Yashasvi Jaiswal immediately; Jaiswal was beaten early, and Woakes even broke his bat handle with a fiery short ball Despite the scare, Jaiswal chipped away, ending the session with a disciplined 8 off 24
KL Rahul found his rhythm too. With two early boundaries one through cover and another pulled hard—he reached a milestone: his 1000th Test run in England, a feat belonging to elite Indian names like Tendulkar, Dravid, Gavaskar, and Kohli
By drinks, India stood at a solid 42–0, both openers unscathed, demonstrating classy temperament under sustained pressure
Tactical Insight
Heroic India Resists England Attack Day 1 Despite the pitch offering seam movement, England opted for a short-pitched strategy, probing lengths to exploit lateral movement. Archer maintained his pace around 85–90 mph while Woakes mixed fuller lengths for swing. Stokes deployed leg slips for Rahul, aiming to induce errors near off-stump
India’s openers, meanwhile, demonstrated controlled aggression. Jaiswal thrived on the pull, while Rahul’s soft hands and placement made him tougher to dislodge “Fearless Start Under Pressure: Epic India Resists Early Swing as England Gamble with Toss on Day 1 of 4th Test at Old Trafford”
Weather Update
Heroic India Resists England Attack Day 1
Manchester’s unpredictability continues to play its part. Forecasters predicted 30–65% chance of showers on Day 1, with even higher chances on Day 2. Though no rain interruptions occurred in the first session, ceiling clouds loomed
Milestones & Stats
- KL Rahul became only the fifth Indian to hit 1000+ Test runs in England, joining legends such as Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli
- Ben Stokes achieved a rare feat, winning all four tosses in the series to date—though his choice to field remains controversial given Old Trafford’s history
- Anshul Kamboj entered the international arena wearing the cap number 47, marking a significant career milestone
Longest Test wait: Liam Dawson, back after an eight-year absence, is now one of the most overdue returns in history
Outlook for the Day
Heroic India Resists England Attack Day 1
India’s openers have established a solid foundation, but they must negotiate the afternoon session, where fresh bowlers and possible cloud cover could tilt the balance. England’s seam bowlers still hold upper hand in early conditions, but if India posts a technically sound score, the phase may shift.
Factors to monitor:
Heroic India Resists England Attack Day 1
- Weather: Rain could be a disruptor, affecting momentum and over rates.
- Middle session: Will Kamboj get a crack with the new ball?
- Length strategy: If England adjusts lengths more, will it yield wickets or advantages?
- India’s depth: How soon will Shubman Gill, Sai Sudharsan, and the middle order be pressed into play?
Summary
Heroic India Resists England Attack Day 1
Day 1 was a cautious, largely balanced affair. England began sharply, but India absorbed pressure with poise. Rahul’s milestone and resilience from both openers were positive signs for India. England’s bowlers remain probing and dangerous, and the toss decision will linger in conversation given Old Trafford’s past.
Heroic India Resists England Attack Day 1 The match is poised delicately. Will India’s patient start flourish into a commanding total? Can England break through in the middle session and press home their advantage? Tomorrow’s continuation promises intense strategic battles, weather dramas, and skill showdowns.