India reaches 78-0 on opening day of 4th test after England decides to bowl

Manchester awoke to familiar overcast skies at Old Trafford, setting the stage for what many anticipated would be a challenging opening session for the touring Indian side in the crucial fourth Test against England. Opting to bowl first after winning the toss, England captain Joe Root made a seemingly logical decision, hoping his potent pace attack, led by James Anderson and Ollie Robinson, would exploit the conditions and gain early inroads. However, the first session of play defied England’s expectations, as India reached a comfortable 78 for no loss by lunch, leaving the hosts searching for answers.

The Indian opening pair displayed remarkable composure and technique against the new ball. KL Rahul, continuing his impressive form in the series, was the aggressor and anchor rolled into one, reaching 40 not out by the interval. His innings was characterized by watchful defence against the swinging ball and decisive stroke play whenever the bowlers erred in line or length. Rahul navigated the early movement with a sturdy front-foot defence and judicious leaves, frustrating England’s pace battery which, despite the favourable conditions, struggled to find the rhythm and consistent penetration that has defined their previous successes. The partnership demonstrated a clear game plan to see off the initial threat and capitalize on any looseness.

England’s decision to bowl, while understandable given the overhead conditions, now looks like a tactical gamble that has not paid off in the initial exchanges. Despite the overcast skies, the pitch offered less lateral movement than anticipated, allowing the Indian openers to settle. While Stuart Broad's absence is keenly felt, the current attack, including Chris Woakes and Craig Overton, failed to extract the venom required to break through a well-set Indian top order. The lack of early wickets means England will return after lunch facing a significantly uphill battle, needing to find immediate breakthroughs to prevent India from building a monumental first-innings total. The onus is now squarely on the English bowlers to regroup and deliver a much more incisive spell to pull themselves back into contention on a day that India has, so far, dominated.