India vs England 4th Test: Live Scorecard & Star Performers

India vs England 4th Test: Live Scorecard & Star Performers

India national cricket team vs England cricket team 4th Test live: Real-time scorecard, standout players, session reports & expert match insights.

Day 1: A Cautious Start for India Amidst Manchester Gloom

The highly anticipated fourth Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy is underway at Old Trafford, Manchester, with a tense atmosphere setting the tone for what promises to be a gripping encounter. With England holding a crucial 2-1 lead in the five-match series, the pressure is squarely on Shubman Gill's Indian side to force a result and keep their hopes of a series victory alive. The match began under typical Manchester skies—overcast and cool—with the first session dominated by a fascinating battle between India's openers and England's pace attack.

England captain Ben Stokes won the toss and, without hesitation, elected to bowl first, a decision heavily influenced by the favourable overhead conditions and a pitch that appears to have something in it for the quicks. This move was met with approval from the home crowd, who anticipate their star bowlers to make early inroads. India, batting first, have had a cautious start, with openers Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul navigating a testing first hour of play.

Live Updates from Old Trafford (Day 1)

04:30 PM IST: First Hour Recap: Tense Start for India

The first hour of play has been a proper Test match battle. England's opening bowlers, Chris Woakes and Jofra Archer, have been relentless with their line and length. Woakes, who has an exceptional record at Old Trafford, started with a tight maiden and troubled Yashasvi Jaiswal with late movement. Jofra Archer, returning from injury, looks in fine rhythm, generating good pace and bounce, especially to KL Rahul. India's openers have shown great resolve, defending stoutly and leaving the ball well. There have been a few close calls, including a couple of edges that didn't carry to the slips, but the Indian batsmen have so far survived the new ball threat.

04:00 PM IST: Debutant Anshul Kamboj Receives Maiden Test Cap

In a moment of pride for the young pacer, Anshul Kamboj has been handed his Test debut for India. He becomes the 318th player to represent the country in the longest format. His inclusion comes as a result of injuries to both Akash Deep and Nitish Kumar Reddy, forcing a reshuffle in the Indian team. Kamboj, a pacer from Haryana, had impressed in the domestic circuit and with the India A team. The conditions in Manchester could be perfect for him to make an immediate impact.

03:30 PM IST: Toss and Team News: England Opt to Bowl

The toss has been completed. England captain Ben Stokes called correctly and has chosen to bowl first, a decision that was widely expected. India captain Shubman Gill, on the other hand, admitted he was "confused" and considered it a "good toss to lose," given the conditions. Both teams have made changes to their playing XIs.

India XI: Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Sai Sudharsan, Shubman Gill (c), Rishabh Pant (wk), Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, Shardul Thakur, Anshul Kamboj, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj.

England XI: Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes (c), Jamie Smith (wk), Liam Dawson, Chris Woakes, Brydon Carse, Jofra Archer.

03:00 PM IST: Pitch Report and Weather Update

The pitch at Old Trafford has a noticeable green tinge and is expected to offer significant movement to the seamers. The cloudy weather ensures swing will be a factor throughout the day, making life difficult for the batsmen. However, there is no rain currently, which is a big relief for both teams and the fans. The forecast for the day shows a high chance of intermittent showers, so the players will be looking to make the most of the dry periods.

Star Performers and Key Match Insights

The Battle of the Openers: Jaiswal & Rahul's Resilience

The first session of play has been a true test of character for India's opening pair of Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul. Jaiswal, in particular, has had to weather a stern test from Chris Woakes, who found his outside edge on more than one occasion. However, the young left-hander's ability to ride out the difficult period and get off the mark with a streaky boundary has shown his grit. KL Rahul, making his return to Test cricket, has also looked solid, playing a few elegant drives and pulls, indicating he is in decent form. Their ability to negotiate the new ball in these challenging conditions will be crucial for India's fortunes.

England's Bowling Attack: Woakes and Archer Impress

England's decision to bowl first has been vindicated by the performances of their new-ball bowlers, Chris Woakes and Jofra Archer. Woakes has been a master of his craft, using the conditions to perfection with his trademark probing lines. His exceptional record at Old Trafford—35 wickets at an average of 17.37—underscores his importance to the team at this venue. Jofra Archer, in his return to the side, has looked threatening, generating pace and bounce to trouble the Indian batsmen. Their partnership will be vital for England's hopes of putting India under early pressure.

The Pitch Factor: A Bowler's Paradise?

As per the pitch report and early indications, the Old Trafford surface is a bowler's paradise in these conditions. The grass on the pitch and the overcast skies are making the ball seam and swing, posing a constant challenge for the batsmen. Expert analysis from former players suggests that while the pitch is a "typical Manchester wicket" with some pace, it's not a minefield. Once the batsmen get through the new ball, there are runs to be had. However, the threat of an unplayable delivery or a lapse in concentration remains constant.

Gill's Men Under the Scanner

India's team selection, particularly the debut of Anshul Kamboj and the inclusion of Sai Sudharsan in place of the struggling Karun Nair, shows a willingness to be decisive. The pressure is on India's top order to deliver, as they have shown vulnerability in the past. This Test is not just a battle of skill but also of temperament, and India's batsmen will need to show immense discipline to succeed against England's formidable pace attack.

Conclusion: A Fascinating Day's Play Awaits

Despite the early rain delay, Day 1 of the India vs England 4th Test has started with a proper Test match feel. The battle between bat and ball has been intense, with both teams looking to seize the early advantage. As the day progresses, the weather and the ability of players to adapt to the conditions will be key to the outcome. All eyes will be on the live action, with the hope that we get a full day's play and a captivating contest.