India entered the fourth Test in Manchester with a sense of urgency, needing to make a strong early statement to claw their way back into the series. The surface at Old Trafford appears unusually flat, offering little early assistance to bowlers, a departure from the traditionally more responsive Manchester tracks. With England captain Ben Stokes opting to bowl first once again, India’s openers had the chance to set the tone.
Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul resumed their roles at the top, carrying different forms and mindsets into the Test. Rahul came off a confident performance at Lord’s, where he notched a composed century in the first innings and contributed 39 more in the second. His ability to handle the English seamers with a blend of composure and intent has been one of India’s batting pillars this tour.
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In contrast, Yashasvi Jaiswal, who started the series brightly with a century at Headingley, followed by a fluent fifty in Birmingham, looked out of sorts at Lord’s. The Manchester Test, therefore, presented both a challenge and an opportunity for redemption.
However, early signs were ominous. Chris Woakes, despite not being the quickest, managed to trouble Yashasvi Jaiswal with deliveries that jagged back sharply, testing the youngster’s technique.
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The most bizarre moment came in the ninth over when Woakes sent down a delivery that shattered Jaiswal’s bat in two. While the ball wasn’t fearsome in pace, a probable loose or high grip from Yashasvi Jaiswal likely contributed to the dramatic break. Karun Nair rushed in with replacement bats as the Indian camp shared a nervous laugh.
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The pitch, although adorned with green patches, has shown little lateral movement so far. Barring occasional deviations, it looks more like a batting paradise than a bowler’s ally—a factor India will hope to capitalise on in this crucial fixture.
