Stokes’s decision to bowl first went against historical precedent, as no team has ever won a Test at Old Trafford after winning the toss and bowling first. The England captain led by example, taking 2-47 in 14 overs.
India, trailing 2-1 in the series, must win in Manchester to keep their series hopes alive. The tourists face an additional challenge, having never won in nine previous Tests at Old Trafford.
The day began positively for India, surviving the morning session without losing a wicket. However, three wickets fell before tea.
Sai Sudharsan, who was dropped on 20, showed aggression by hooking Jofra Archer twice for four. Pant also displayed his attacking intent by hitting Brydon Carse for a straight six.
Pant’s innings ended when he attempted a reverse sweep off Chris Woakes’s yorker-length delivery. After a review showed an inside edge before the ball hit his foot, Pant, who scored 37 off 48 balls, left the field in a buggy.
India’s medical team released a statement after the day’s play, confirming Pant was taken for scans and his progress was being monitored.
Shortly after Pant’s departure, Sudharsan’s innings of 61 ended when he top-edged a pull shot off Stokes to Carse at long leg. Bad light then forced the end of play.
The morning session saw Jaiswal and KL Rahul build a solid 78-run opening partnership against challenging bowling from Woakes and Archer.
Rahul fell for 46, edging Woakes to Zak Crawley at third slip. Jaiswal reached his fifty off 96 balls, including a late cut for four off Carse.
Dawson, who replaced the injured Shoaib Bashir, reflected on his performance: “What you say today was what you get, not amazing but I do a job for the team. I’m not getting any younger, so just try and enjoy it and take each day as it comes.”
India captain Shubman Gill faced boos from the crowd, following his criticism of England’s time-wasting tactics at Lord’s. His struggles continued as he was dismissed for 12, playing no shot to a Stokes delivery.
Gill’s form has declined significantly, scoring just 34 runs in his last three innings after hitting three centuries in the first two Tests.
India selected Jasprit Bumrah despite earlier plans to limit his participation to three Tests due to back injury concerns. Bumrah, the world’s top-ranked bowler, missed the second Test in Birmingham but returned for the Lord’s match.
