The K.L. Rahul\u2013Yashasvi Jaiswal opening partnership fetched India 94 runs and laid the foundation for India's strong start in the crucial match that India needs to win to maintain their chances of taking the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy home.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cThe morning session clearly went in India\u2019s favour \u2014 thanks to these two. They carried their form with excellent defensive technique and strong minds. India have always struggled to find a consistent opening pair in overseas conditions, but they now seem to have one. A left-right combination that scores hundreds and looks dependable \u2014 that\u2019s rare. You can expect consistency from this pair, and that\u2019s significant,\u201d said Manjrekar, speaking on \u2018Match Centre Live\u2019 after the conclusion of Day 1 of the fourth Test.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Already trailing 1-2 in the five-match series, India made a superb start after being asked to bat first by England skipper Ben Stokes, with Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul seeing through the first session. But England fought back after lunch by dismissing both the openers and India skipper Shubman Gill in quick succession to make it 140\/3. However, it was Sudharsan who kept Indian hopes afloat in this crucial match, which India had to win to keep the series alive.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Manjrekar also noted Jaiswal\u2019s rapid growth as a Test batter. \u201cIn the past, you\u2019d say some Indian batters flattered to deceive because of flat home pitches. But now, when a young batter puts together a strong Test run, you know Jaiswal has done it across tough conditions. South Africa was his first overseas tour \u2014 arguably the hardest. He\u2019ll do better next time. What stands out is how late he plays the ball, how decisively he moves on the front and back foot, and his hunger for Test success.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Already trailing 1-2 in the five-match series, India made a superb start after being asked to bat first by England skipper Ben Stokes, with Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul seeing through the first session. But England fought back after lunch by dismissing both the openers and India skipper Shubman Gill in quick succession to make it 140\/3. However, it was Sudharsan who kept Indian hopes afloat in this crucial match, which India had to win to keep the series alive.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Meanwhile, JioHotstar expert Jonathan Trott shared his analysis on England\u2019s strategy, saying the real test will be with the new ball. \u201cI think England laid the groundwork, but the real test will be with the new ball on Day 2. If it doesn\u2019t behave the way they hope, they might regret the decision to bowl first. Batting last at Old Trafford rarely gets easier. That said, we\u2019ve had 16 days of fantastic cricket, and we\u2019re still no closer to knowing which side is better. That\u2019s the beauty of this series,\u201d he added.<\/p>\r\n\r\n