India vs England 4th Test Day 2: 1st Innings Ends at 279/5

India vs England 4th Test Day 2: 1st Innings Ends at 279/5

India ended their 1st innings at 279/5 on Day 2 of the 4th Test vs England. Jadeja, Thakur, and Sundar stood strong. Catch full live scorecard and match updates here.

Old Trafford Test: Day 2 Sees India's First Innings Conclude at 279

The highly anticipated fourth Test match between India and England at Old Trafford, Manchester, moved into its crucial second day today, July 24, 2025. India resumed their first innings from an overnight score of 264 for the loss of four wickets, with the focus squarely on the overnight unbeaten pair of Ravindra Jadeja and Shardul Thakur to consolidate their position. However, the morning session saw a dramatic turn of events, as India's first innings concluded swiftly, with the team being bowled out for a total of 279 runs. This rapid end to the innings means England will now begin their batting much earlier than anticipated, setting the stage for an intense battle for the First Innings Lead.

This match holds immense significance for the Indian team, who are currently trailing 1-2 in the five-match Test series. A victory here is imperative to level the series and force a decider. The conditions at Old Trafford, historically challenging for visiting teams, add another layer of complexity to this riveting contest. As the IND vs ENG Live Match unfolds on Day 2, the early conclusion of India's innings has put England in a strong position to build a significant score, making the upcoming sessions crucial for India's bowling attack.

Day 1 Recap: A Story of Resilience and Missed Opportunities

Day 1 of the Old Trafford Test commenced with England captain Ben Stokes winning the toss and electing to bowl first, aiming to exploit the overcast conditions and early moisture. India's openers, Yashasvi Jaiswal (58) and KL Rahul (46), provided a solid start, navigating the tricky initial spell from the English pacers. Their disciplined approach allowed them to forge a crucial 94-run partnership, ensuring India went to lunch without losing a wicket – a significant psychological victory in challenging English conditions.

However, the second session witnessed a spirited fightback from England, as they managed to pick up quick wickets. KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal departed in relatively quick succession, followed by captain Shubman Gill (12), who fell cheaply after a brief stay. Debutant Sai Sudharsan (61), batting at number three, emerged as a beacon of stability. His gritty half-century, crafted with immense composure and solid technique over 151 balls, was crucial in stabilizing the innings after the mini-collapse, showcasing his temperament under pressure and justifying his selection.

A major setback for India came late in the day when wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant was forced to retire hurt. He sustained a painful blow to his right foot while attempting a reverse sweep off Chris Woakes. Although UltraEdge confirmed a faint under-edge, saving him from an LBW dismissal, the injury appeared serious, and he was stretchered off the field for scans. This unfortunate incident brought Ravindra Jadeja to the crease earlier than expected, joining Sai Sudharsan. The day concluded with Jadeja (19*) and Shardul Thakur (19*) battling valiantly, having stemmed the flow of wickets and ensured India reached stumps at a respectable 264/4. Their unbroken stand provided a glimmer of hope and set the stage for a crucial Day 2.

Manchester Weather Update for Day 2: Overcast Start, Brighter Finish

The Manchester weather has always been a significant factor in matches played at Old Trafford, and Day 2 is no exception. According to the latest Met Office forecast for July 24, 2025, the day began under overcast conditions, with a 10-30% chance of light rain in the morning session. This could potentially lead to brief delays or interruptions, favoring the seam bowlers with increased swing and movement off the pitch. Such conditions often test the patience and technique of batsmen, making the first hour of play particularly challenging.

However, the forecast indicates a gradual improvement in conditions as the day progresses. The afternoon is expected to transition to sunny intervals, with the chance of showers dropping to a mere 10%. Temperatures are predicted to range comfortably between 16°C and 21°C, making for pleasant cricketing conditions once the clouds clear. The improving weather in the latter half of the day should allow for extended periods of uninterrupted play, which will be crucial for England to build a substantial total. The pitch, which showed some grass cover but played relatively flat on Day 1, might offer more assistance to bowlers as it wears, especially if the early morning moisture persists. The team that adapts best to these changing conditions will likely gain the upper hand.

Morning Session Drama: India's Innings Concludes Swiftly

As Day 2 commenced, all eyes were on Ravindra Jadeja and Shardul Thakur to extend India's first innings. However, the morning session proved to be a challenging one for the visitors. Resuming at 264/4, the overnight pair managed to add a few crucial runs, but England's bowlers, fresh and utilizing the new ball effectively, quickly found their rhythm.

The first breakthrough came when Shardul Thakur, after adding a few more runs to his overnight score, was dismissed for 25. He attempted a pull shot off a short delivery but found the fielder in the deep, ending a promising partnership. This brought Washington Sundar to the crease, who looked to provide some stability alongside Ravindra Jadeja. Jadeja, meanwhile, continued to play cautiously, aiming to anchor the innings.

However, the English bowlers maintained relentless pressure. Despite some valiant efforts from Jadeja and Sundar, the remaining wickets fell quickly in a flurry. Ravindra Jadeja was eventually dismissed for 28, caught behind off a sharp delivery. Washington Sundar showed some intent but could only manage 10 runs before succumbing to the pressure. The tailenders offered minimal resistance, and India's first innings concluded at a total of 279 runs. The innings ended with the fall of the 10th wicket, much to the delight of the English team and their supporters.

Key Contributions in India's First Innings

• Sai Sudharsan: 61 runs. A gritty debut half-century that provided crucial stability.
• Yashasvi Jaiswal: 58 runs. A solid start from the opener.
• KL Rahul: 46 runs. Provided a good foundation alongside Jaiswal.
• Ravindra Jadeja: 28 runs. Showed resilience but couldn't convert his start into a big score on Day 2.
• Shardul Thakur: 25 runs. Contributed vital runs in a crucial partnership.
• Washington Sundar: 10 runs. A brief cameo in the lower order.

England's Bowling Performance: Capitalizing on Pressure

England's bowlers, particularly their pacers, deserve credit for their disciplined performance on Day 2. After a frustrating Day 1 where India's top order managed to get starts, the English attack came out with renewed vigor. Chris Woakes and Jofra Archer led the charge with the new ball, putting immediate pressure on Jadeja and Thakur. Their consistent line and length, coupled with the early morning moisture, proved effective in extracting edges and creating opportunities.

The quick fall of wickets in the morning session, leading to India's total of 279, was a testament to England's persistent bowling and sharp fielding. They capitalized on every opportunity, ensuring that India could not build on their strong overnight position. This disciplined bowling effort has given England a significant advantage as they now prepare to bat.

Rishabh Pant Injury Update: Ruled Out of the Test

The injury to Rishabh Pant, which saw him retire hurt on Day 1, has been confirmed as a significant setback for the Indian team. Initial scans have revealed a mild fracture in his right foot, and team management has officially ruled him out of the remainder of this Test match. This is a huge blow to India's middle-order stability and their wicketkeeping options. Dhruv Jurel is expected to take over wicketkeeping duties for the rest of the match. The focus now shifts to whether Pant will be fit in time for the fifth and final Test of the series.

What This Means: England's Batting Challenge

With India's first innings concluding at 279 all out, England now faces the challenge of building a substantial first innings total themselves. While 279 might seem a modest score on some pitches, on the Old Trafford surface, which has shown some variable bounce and is expected to offer more to spinners as the match progresses, it is a competitive total. England's batsmen will need to show resilience against India's potent bowling attack, led by Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj. The early sessions of England's innings will be crucial in determining the flow of the match. If India's bowlers can pick up early wickets, they can quickly shift the momentum back in their favor.

Conclusion: A Day of Shifting Fortunes at Old Trafford

Day 2 of the IND vs ENG 4th Test in Manchester has been a day of shifting fortunes. India's first innings concluded at 279 all out, a score that, while not massive, is competitive given the conditions and the early morning pressure from England's bowlers. The contributions from Ravindra Jadeja, Shardul Thakur, and Washington Sundar were vital in reaching this total. Now, the focus shifts to England's batting. The match remains finely balanced, with both teams having opportunities to seize control. As England begins their first innings, the battle for the crucial First Innings Lead will intensify, promising more thrilling Test cricket action.