The opening day of the fourth Test between India and England at Old Trafford came to an early end due to deteriorating light, with the visitors sitting comfortably at 264 for 4. Ravindra Jadeja and Shardul Thakur remained unbeaten on 19 apiece, steadying the innings after a middle-order wobble in the second session.

After winning the toss for the fourth consecutive time, England captain Ben Stokes elected to bowl first under overcast skies, hoping to make early inroads. The decision initially appeared questionable as India’s openers Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul laid a strong foundation with a 96-run opening partnership.

Jaiswal, in particular, looked in sublime touch, collecting a fluent 58 off 85 deliveries, peppered with strokes all around the wicket. Rahul, more watchful in his approach, contributed a solid 46 before falling to Chris Woakes just as India approached the 100-run mark. Jaiswal followed soon after, edging Liam Dawson to Harry Brook in the slips.