By Admin 
IND vs Eng: Old Trafford, Manchester saw an interesting turn on the first day of the fourth Test match between India and England, when Sai Sudarshan took the first magnificent fifty of his career on foreign land. These are the same Sudarshan who was excluded after the failure in the first Test, but as soon as he got a chance in the fourth match, he gave a befitting reply to the critics.
This feat done on number-3
The Indian team made three changes in this Test. Anshul Kamboj got a debut match, while Shardul Thakur and Sai Sudarshan returned. Sai has been given a chance to replace Karun Nair, which flopped in three consecutive matches. Sai Sudarshan took advantage of the opportunity, batting at number three and played a militant innings of 61 runs. The special thing about this innings was that he kept playing according to the conditions and stayed against England’s fast bowling.
With this half -century, Sai Sudarshan has also made a special record after 1296 days. Actually, this was the first time in so many days when an Indian batsman has scored 50 or more runs while batting at number three on foreign soil.
Started strong, but stuttering in the middle of Team India
At the beginning of the match, India once again had to lose the toss. England captain Ben Stokes invited India to bat first while watching overcast condition. Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul made a restrained start and saved the team from the initial shaking. Jaiswal scored a brilliant half -century while Rahul scored an innings of 46 runs, due to which the England team did not get any wicket in a few hours from the new ball.
After this, Shubman Gill (12 runs) and then injuries to retired Rishabh Pant, India’s rhythm deteriorated to some extent and the Indian team was seen to be staggering, but Sudarshan’s innings took over the team once again.
New ray of hope for team
This innings of Sai Sudarshan is not only important for his confidence, but is also a news of relief for Team India, especially when Pant’s fitness is doubted and the middle order has been continuously struggling till now.
By the end of the day’s play, Ravindra Jadeja and Shardul Thakur are standing at the crease by scoring 19-19 runs and India have scored 264 runs for 4 wickets.