Team India made a statement of intent in the morning session of the fourth Test against England at Old Trafford, Manchester, by reaching 78 without loss at lunch. After being asked to bat first on a lively pitch, openers KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal ensured India did not lose a single wicket in the first session, navigating a probing English pace attack with grit and composure.
KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal hold firm in testing conditions
The surface at Old Trafford offered pace, bounce and movement—more than what we had seen in the earlier matches of the series. Still, both Indian openers showed great application and discipline, choosing to play late and under their eyes, leaving balls outside off with confidence. Rahul led from the front with a composed 40*, while Jaiswal looked assured for his unbeaten 36.
There were some nervy moments, especially against Chris Woakes, who bowled an excellent eight-over spell and consistently troubled the batters by hitting the right channels. He even found the outside edge a couple of times, but luck favoured India as the ball failed to carry to the slips.
England bowlers toil without success
England, despite exploiting early movement, failed to make inroads. The new Dukes ball was expected to challenge the batters significantly in the opening hour, but the Indian openers did well to blunt its threat. The Dukes has generally gone soft after 30 overs in this series, so the pressure now shifts on England’s bowlers to strike early in the post-lunch session.
Momentum with India as game progresses
Having gone wicketless in the morning session, England will be under pressure to find breakthroughs soon. For India, the unbeaten partnership between Rahul and Jaiswal has laid a solid platform. If the duo can continue for another session, India could set themselves up for a commanding first-innings total on a pitch that still has enough in it for the bowlers.
Here’s how fans reacted:
Magnificent session for India. Proper test match batting and one characterised by control. Rahul is looking so pleasant at the crease. And Jaiswal has negotiated a little anxious period very well
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) July 23, 2025
Some nervy moments for the openers, but not losing a wicket in the first session, to a big extent, blunts England’s decision to bowl first. Rahul and Jaiswal approached the challenge just right: watchful, cautious, eschewing risks, but not letting loose deliveries go unpunished
— Cricketwallah (@cricketwallah) July 23, 2025
Day 1, Lunch
Scorecard 👉 https://t.co/ULt6svLl4i
A solid session for India after being put in to bat. The openers remained unbeaten at the break 🏏#cricket #ENGvIND #TeamIndia #CricketTwitter pic.twitter.com/eYfY9YklPV
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) July 23, 2025
Lunch on Day 1 of the Manchester Test! #TeamIndia off to a solid start, courtesy KL Rahul (40*) & Yashasvi Jaiswal (36*) 👍
Stay tuned for second session! ⌛️
Updates ▶️ https://t.co/L1EVgGtx3a#ENGvIND | @klrahul | @ybj_19 pic.twitter.com/kSz6KV4X4z
— BCCI (@BCCI) July 23, 2025
Can’t take your eyes off him, especially in England ❤️🔥😍 pic.twitter.com/kGtFPt9Z0Y
— Delhi Capitals (@DelhiCapitals) July 23, 2025
KL Rahul – 40* (82).
Jaiswal – 36* (74).INDIA 78/0 ON DAY 1 LUNCH. A SOLID SESSION FOR INDIA. 🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/ZLnvvvbegW
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) July 23, 2025
Solid start from Team India. The first session is never easy, but KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal handled the tough conditions well. Now it’s time to capitalize after lunch.
— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) July 23, 2025
Goes to show how well KL Rahul & Jaiswal have done to go through the session without losing a wicket on Day 1- 1st Session #ENGvsIND pic.twitter.com/tmgq2P9ich
— AAD!3 💟💜 (@1_3Aadz) July 23, 2025
Solid first session for India! Rahul and Jaiswal have looked good and patient today. #INDvsENG pic.twitter.com/vPprmm6OXi
— Mustafa Ismail (@MustiMachine) July 23, 2025
Watching KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal batting pic.twitter.com/IbWUkrwFDq
— Shiv (@mr_Tubun) July 23, 2025
Opening pair KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal survived on that Old Trafford pitch till lunch itself Day 1 win for India vs England 🤝#INDvsENG pic.twitter.com/flwhe9s6op
— Bruce Wayne (@_Bruce__007) July 23, 2025
– Lost the toss.
– No wickets lost in the 1st session.
– Rahul & Jaiswal have been gritty & determined.A mighty start, need to convert big in the 2nd session. ⌛
— Bhawana (@cricbhawana) July 23, 2025
Test cricket at its finest
Controlled, composed and completely Indian! 🇮🇳🏏#Rahul #Jaiswal #INDvsENG pic.twitter.com/6fX4EDTe0m— Gaurav Pandit (@igauravpandit) July 23, 2025
Rahul-Jaiswal. #ENGvIND pic.twitter.com/lEWphp4xWm
— , (@_Shahrozrana) July 23, 2025
A dream start for India in the 4th Test!💫🇮🇳
For the first time in the series, no wickets lost before lunch — a rock-solid 78/0 in 26 overs.💙
KL Rahul & Jaiswal owned session 1, setting the perfect tone! 🔥🧱#INDvsENGTest pic.twitter.com/5d6okKUmao— SG⁷⁷_YBJ⁶⁴ (@JYajashvi) July 23, 2025
What a session for India 78 no loss
Kl rahul and Jaiswal good control England bowlersKL Rahul *40
Yashasvi Jaiswal*36 pic.twitter.com/1PJZWbbQxu— Ajay. (@Crycloverajay) July 23, 2025
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