KL Rahul isn’t the official vice-captain, but he took over leadership duties because designated deputy Rishabh Pant was already off the field due to injury. Pant injured his index finger while diving for a Jasprit Bumrah delivery in the 34th over. He didn’t return to the field, and Dhruv Jurel replaced him behind the stumps. Had Pant been available, he would have captained in Gill’s absence. But with both Gill and Pant off the field, Rahul took command and made all on-field decisions.

After electing to bat, England had a shaky start. Nitish Kumar Reddy struck twice in his very first over— the 14th of the innings — removing both openers Zak Crawley (18) and Ben Duckett (23). Joe Root and Ollie Pope then steadied the innings with a 109-run stand. Pope was dismissed for 44 by Ravindra Jadeja.

Harry Brook managed only 11 before falling to Bumrah. By stumps, Root (unbeaten on 99) and Stokes (39) had stitched together a 79-run partnership for the fifth wicket. England closed Day 1 at 251 for 4.