India created history during the fourth Test against England at Old Trafford by fielding five left-handed batters in their playing XI for the first time in their Test cricket history, spanning 592 matches. The lineup included Yashasvi Jaiswal, Sai Sudharsan, Rishabh Pant, Ravindra Jadeja, and Washington Sundar. This rare occurrence came as India made three changes to their squad for the crucial match of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy. Sai Sudharsan replaced Karun Nair at number three, Shardul Thakur came in for the injured Nitish Kumar Reddy, and debutant Anshul Kamboj filled in for Akash Deep. Rishabh Pant, who had sustained a finger injury earlier in the series, was initially doubtful but recovered in time to retain his place. Pant has been a standout performer throughout the series, contributing significantly to India’s efforts. The team’s left-handed-heavy batting lineup marks a strategic shift and a notable milestone in Indian Test cricket.

Teams

England: Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes (capt), Jamie Smith (wkt), Liam Dawson, Chris Woakes, Brydon Carse, Jofra Archer

India: Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Sai Sudharsan, Shubman Gill (capt), Rishabh Pant (wkt), Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, Shardul Thakur, Anshul Kamboj, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj

Farokh Engineer, Clive Lloyd honoured with stands at Old Trafford

Former India wicketkeeper Farokh Engineer and legendary West Indies captain Clive Lloyd were on Wednesday honoured by the Lancashire County Cricket Club with stands named after them at the Old Trafford Stadium here, on the opening day of the fourth Test between India and England.

Engineer, who represented Lancashire from 1968 to 1976, played 175 matches, amassing 5,942 runs, 429 catches, and 35 stumpings.

His arrival marked a turning point for the club, helping them win the Gillette Cup four times between 1970 and 1975 after a 15-year title drought.

Despite his deep ties to Indian cricket, including the memorable outings he had at Mumbai's Brabourne Stadium, Engineer surprisingly does not have a stand named after him there.

Lloyd, a two-time World Cup-winning captain, joined Lancashire in the early 1970s as an overseas player. Lloyd's two-decade-long association with the club was transformational as he played a crucial role in reshaping Lancashire's cricketing fortunes.

The gesture immortalises the contributions made by both Engineer and Lloyd to the county, celebrating their legacies in English domestic cricket.

Engineer, now 87, has made Manchester his home post-retirement and continues to reside here. (With inputs from Agencies)