Dawson strikes as England fight back against India

AFP | London

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Liam Dawson marked his first Test in eight years with the key wicket of India’s Yashasvi Jaiswal as England fought back on Wednesday’s opening day at Old Trafford.

India, invited to bat by England captain Ben Stokes, got through the first session of the fourth Test without losing a wicket.

But at tea they were 149-3, with openers KL Rahul and Jaiswal, as well as India captain Shubman Gill all back in the pavilion.

The recalled Sai Sudharsan, dropped on 20, was 26 not out. India, 2-1 down after three Tests, must win at Old Trafford if they are to keep alive their hopes of winning the fivematch series.

But the tourists will have to make history as they have never managed to win in nine previous Tests at the Manchester ground.

They made a fine start after losing the toss and were 78-0 at lunch, with Jaiswal 36 not out after uppercutting Stokes for six and Rahul unbeaten on 40.

But Rahul had added just six more runs to his score when, trying to force Chris Woakes off the back foot, he edged to Zak Crawley at third slip, leaving India 94-1. Jaiswal late-cut Brydon Carse for four to go to 49 before completing a 96-ball fifty.