After a tense series of events at Lord’s where England secured a 2-1 lead, the atmosphere shifted as India faced off against England again at Emirates Old Trafford. Despite captain Shubman Gill’s misfortune, marking India’s 14th consecutive loss at the toss, the Indian team began positively as England chose to bowl first.
Openers Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul laid a solid foundation for India, reaching 78 runs without losing a wicket by lunchtime. Jaiswal, who rode his luck early on, managed to score 36 not out while Rahul contributed a steady 40, showcasing a blend of aggression and caution. Chris Woakes put in a relentless effort for England, testing Jaiswal’s outside edge multiple times, but the breakthrough remained elusive for the seamer, as an unfortunate broken bat interrupted play.
As the day unfolded at a cloudy Old Trafford, Jaiswal found his rhythm, launching a six off Ben Stokes and demonstrating impressive shot selection despite a few close calls with the edge. While Jofra Archer delivered a controlled performance, it was Woakes who seemed more dangerous, capturing the Indian opener’s bat handle with one particularly fierce delivery.
Overall, India’s strong start in the innings is a promising sign for the team as they look to build upon this momentum in a crucial match. With Jaiswal stepping up in his international career, the excitement around his performance adds a layer of hope for fans and teammates alike.