When the second day of the fourth Test between England and India gets underway at Old Trafford on Thursday, eyes will also be on the sky, as Ravindra Jadeja and Shardul Thakur – both unbeaten on 19 – look to build a partnership and help India post a big total on the board.
India ended Day 1 at 264 for 4 after wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant retired hurt due to a foot injury, leaving the team in a fix, as he was unable to walk or put weight on his foot. The weather is expected to be volatile on Thursday. The Met Office – the United Kingdom’s national weather and climate service – has forecast overcast conditions at the beginning of the day, with a 10-13 per cent chance of rain in the morning.
Clear skies are expected near the afternoon, with temperatures hovering between 16 and 21 degrees Celsius. The chances of rain in the afternoon are also low, at just 10 percent, offering much-needed stability after bad light halted play early on Day 1.
The opening day of the crucial fourth Test saw India, facing a must-win situation in the match, trailing the series 1-2. On Day 1, were asked to bat first by England captain Ben Stokes, who won the toss. India got off to a prolific start, with openers Yashasvi Jaiswal (58) and KL Rahul (46) taking the team to 94 before England began picking up wickets. Stokes claimed two wickets, while Chris Woakes and Liam Dawson scalped two each. Sai Sudharsan top-scored for India.
Old Trafford is known as a batting paradise despite some grass on the surface. In the four domestic matches played earlier this year, the venue produced draws, underscoring why a result might be difficult on this pitch. Historically, no team has ever won a Test match at Old Trafford after choosing to bowl first.
From India’s point of view, Pant’s injury is a major concern. The player, who sustained the injury after being hit on the right foot while attempting a reverse sweep off a delivery from Woakes, has undergone scans – the report of which is awaited.
Jadeja and Thakur will aim to stay at the crease and help India post a strong total, as it is crucial for the bowlers to have the cushion of enough runs on the board to keep England’s batters in check.