A series-defining contest began with high anticipation as England took on India in the fourth Test at Old Trafford, Manchester on July 23, 2025. With India trailing 1-2 and searching for their first-ever victory at this legendary venue, the stakes were raised further by England electing to bowl first under cloudy skies and with a seam-friendly pitch on offer. Both teams made significant changes to their playing XIs, intensifying the narrative of a pivotal Test in this captivating series.

Sai Sudharsan’s gritty knock against England under pressure

The spotlight belonged firmly to Sai Sudharsan, the young southpaw thrust into the No. 3 role amid much uncertainty and after a faltering debut earlier in the series. Walking out after the fall of India’s first wicket at 94, Sudharsan batted with a blend of patience and grit that belied his inexperience. Facing a relentless England attack in challenging conditions, he steered the innings with composure, compiling a vital 61 off 151 balls, highlighted by seven well-timed boundaries.

His journey to a maiden Test fifty was particularly meaningful, marking the first time an Indian No. 3 had reached the milestone at Old Trafford since 1990, and ending India’s long search for stability at this position in SENA (South Africa, England, New Zealand, Australia) countries. The southpaw absorbed pressure deftly, first consolidating after early wickets, then building crucial partnerships—including a 95-run stand with the returning Rishabh Pant for the fourth wicket. Sudharsan’s knock not only steadied India but drew widespread admiration from fans and pundits, who celebrated his temperament and discipline as a potential turning point in his Test career.

Supporting Sudharsan, openers Yashasvi Jaiswal (58) and KL Rahul (46) laid a solid foundation with a determined 94-run stand, negotiating the new ball and frustrating England’s bowlers in disciplined fashion. Even after the heartening start, there were anxious moments—especially when skipper Shubman Gill fell cheaply and Wicketkeeper-batter Pant was forced to retire hurt after a promising 37, compounding India’s concerns at 212/4; yet, the middle order’s resolve kept the innings afloat.

England’s persistence with the ball on Day 1 of the fourth Test

In bowling-friendly conditions, England’s attack remained probing and seldom allowed India easy runs. Skipper Ben Stokes led from the front, striking twice—including the vital breakthrough of Sudharsan with a well-directed short ball, caught at fine leg. Chris Woakes and Liam Dawson chipped in with crucial wickets, while Jofra Archer and Brydon Carse created frequent chances with their pace and movement despite going wicket less.

Throughout the day, England engineered several key moments—breaking the opening partnership just before lunch, picking up wickets in clusters after long periods of Indian resistance, and keeping run-scoring in check with sustained discipline. The forced retirement of Pant, due to injury on his foot, further tilted momentum and presented England a late-day opening to exploit. However, Ravindra Jadeja (19*) and Shardul Thakur (19*) batted out the final overs, taking India to a relatively secure 264/4 by stumps after 83 overs.

Also READ: Fans mercilessly troll Shubman Gill over his dismissal on Day 1 of ENG vs IND fourth Test

Here’s how fans reacted:

Sai Sudharsan writes his name in Test cricket finally 💥 @BCCI #SaiSudharsan #IndianCricket #ENGvsIND #CricketTwitter pic.twitter.com/5Eibc0Ba2A

— the_cricket_web (@the_cricket_web) July 23, 2025

🇮🇳 Day 1 Stumps, 4th Test, Manchester: India 264/4! Debutant Sai Sudharsan (61) shines, Shardul (19*) holds firm vs Stokes (2/47). Pant’s injury drama looms— will he bat Day 2?
Rare TN debutant overseas, backed by IPL & U19 form. #ENGvIND #TeamIndia #CricketUpdates #Cricket pic.twitter.com/UQxXXBwtTb

— Gully Cricket (@GullyCricketIn) July 23, 2025

Yashasvi Jaiswal and Sai Sudharsan’s half centuries anchored India’s innings on the opening day in Manchester 💪 pic.twitter.com/Vce5app4yV

— SHAH FAISAL KHAN (@SHAHFAI65660968) July 23, 2025

DAY 1 STUMPS: INDIA 264 FOR 4.

FIFTIES FROM YASHASVI JAISWAL AND SAI SUDHARSAN 🔥#INDvENG #INDvsENG #INDvsENGTest #ENGvsIND #ENGvIND pic.twitter.com/8V3fOUZtaz

— Prakhar Srivastava (@PrakharSri7) July 23, 2025

STUMPS ON DAY 1:

India 264 for 4 in the first innings with brilliant batting by Rahul, Jaiswal & Sai Sudharsan.

Need to score around 350-380 runs in the first innings. 🤞#INDvsENG #ENGvsIND pic.twitter.com/fatAPoNcza

— ANDERSON-TENDULKAR TROPHY (@bgt2025) July 23, 2025

India 264 for 4 in the first innings with some good hand by KL Rahul, Yashasvi Jaiswal & Sai Sudharsan.

Rishabh pant retired hurt due to a nasty sweeping on top of his feet.

pic.twitter.com/2iQFv590dL

— Kashif (@cricstate) July 23, 2025

A GRITTY 61 (151) BY SAI SUDHARSAN.

– He’s announced himself. 🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/KeoW5TGHW4

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) July 23, 2025

SAI SUDHARSAN HAS ARRIVED IN TEST CRICKET. 🇮🇳👌 pic.twitter.com/HVhOzrDQxX

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) July 23, 2025

– Dropped after 1st Test Match.
– Comeback in this Test Match.
– Scored 61(151) Vs England.
– Only Half Centurion in this innings for India.

SAI SUDHARSAN – THE FUTURE OF INDIAN CRICKET. 🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/ZogAdU6ndA

— Tanuj (@ImTanujSingh) July 23, 2025

115 runs in the final session as #TeamIndia finish Day 1 of Manchester Test at 264/4 💪#ENGvsIND
Scorecard 👉 https://t.co/wsheTjPKHI pic.twitter.com/hXUQaMp1nd

— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) July 23, 2025

Also READ: ENG vs IND: Fans go wild as Liam Dawson earns his first wicket after eight years in Test cricket