Yashasvi Jaiswal Shines Bright As India Battle Back in Consequential Fourth Test vs England

India endured a pivotal day at Old Trafford as the fourth Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy was under way between India and England. England won the toss and elected to bowl first and that left India to post runs early in trying conditions. When the match began everyone's eyes were on India's opening duo particularly young Yashasvi Jaiswal who has immense potential but was under stress to perform consistently. Along with KL Rahul at the opposite end Jaiswal started the innings carefully and sensibly without playing any adventurous shots and concentrating on establishing a solid partnership for the team.

What was different about this innings was the way Jaiswal played his game particularly after being criticized for his Lord's performance. At Lord's he had gotten out playing a mistimed pull shot during the second innings. But in Manchester he showed perceptible improvements in his game. Jaiswal was mature beyond his years. He was more cautious and choosy and did not rush into attacking shots unnecessarily. When he played the pull shot this time he seemed entirely in command and played it crisply. It was an indication that he had put extra effort into rectifying his errors and returned better than ever. This huge adjustment of his training not just left fans awestruck but also enabled India to establish a sound start in a game-deciding Test.

There was evidently pressure on the Indian team prior to this match. Being 1-2 behind in the five-match series this game became crucial to remain in the contest. Here, a defeat would have handed the series to England so the players were aware that they needed to perform their best in all aspects. The morning session started with some tight bowling by England as was anticipated. Their pacemen attempted to make the most of the conditions but Jaiswal and Rahul remained solid. The alliance of the two started to infuriate England's bowlers as they struggled to penetrate the defense. The manner in which both openers were leaving balls outside off stump and rotating the strike intelligently gave confidence to the dressing room as well as to the audience.

Jaiswal's knock was not only about scoring runs but also about the character that he demonstrated on the field. Having been dismissed in an avoidable fashion in the last match it would have been easy for him to repeat errors or go into shell mode. But instead he played with a strong attitude and demonstrated why he is one of the hottest young prospects in the game of Indian cricket. His capacity for change and improvement was the difference on this crucial day. His timing and positioning in his shots were a delight to see and his decision-making was world class. Whenever he was confronted by short-pitched balls he showed nerves of steel and picked and chose the right moments to drive or leave the ball.

Meanwhile KL Rahul gave the ideal support at the other end. His experience told when he continued to rotate the strike and kept the scoreboard moving. While Jaiswal was a bit more attacking in his style Rahul made sure there were no loose deliveries and he defended well whenever required. The mix between the two was important in providing India with a solid foundation. The issue of communication between them was seamless and they were complete partners as they battled the new ball challenge comfortably.

England did everything in their power to apply pressure to the batters but India's stern batting gradually began to turn the tide their way. The Old Trafford crowd watched intently as the young Indian opener continued to increase his self-belief. It was also fascinating to see how England's bowling team began to seem less intimidating once Jaiswal found his rhythm. The confidence on the pitch started to wane and the Indian fans began to think that a massive score was possible.

This match is more than a Test for India. It is a battle to remain in the series and Jaiswal's fighting start has boosted the team's morale. The coaching team would have been delighted the way the players handled pressure particularly after being on the back foot in the last game. Most importantly, the manner in which the Indian batters approached things was impressive. They did not rush into shots or look for unnecessary boundaries. Rather they played every ball on its merit and showed respect for the conditions. Such maturity is what constructs winning teams and Jaiswal's development is a prime demonstration of the way young players can develop and mature rapidly at the top level.

If India can establish on this strong foundation and score a huge total on the board it will put England in pressure when they go out to bat. The Old Trafford pitch was favorable to bat on in the morning but it could yield more to spinners and seamers later on. So the first innings score is that much more crucial. The Indian bowlers will be looking for sufficient runs to defend and keep hopes alive in the series.

In a pressure-packed game full of expectations Yashasvi Jaiswal performed with maturity grit and intelligent cricket. His improvement from the last match was not just technical but also psychological which is a quality rare in this young player. If India maintain the same concentration and discipline throughout this Test, they can definitely make life hard for England and square the series. This fourth Test is becoming one of endurance and patience skills and determination and India has been off to a promising beginning all because of the young opener who learned from his mistakes and returned stronger.