Under overcast skies at Old Trafford, England staged a commanding reply to India’s first-innings total of 358 on Day 2 of the fourth Test. Led by a devastating five-wicket haul from Ben Stokes and an exhilarating 166-run opening partnership between Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett, the hosts asserted control over proceedings, finishing at 225/2 at stumps. India’s fight, headlined by a brave Rishabh Pant half-century, faded as the day progressed with England firmly taking Day 2 honours.
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Stokes Rolls Back the Years with Career-Best Figures
Returning to the bowling attack with a purpose, England skipper Ben Stokes delivered his first five-wicket haul in nearly seven years. Exploiting subtle movement off the pitch, he dismantled India’s lower order after Jofra Archer triggered the collapse with the wicket of Ravindra Jadeja.
Stokes’ critical breakthrough came when he dismissed the well-set Shardul Thakur for 41. He followed it up with back-to-back scalps—removing Washington Sundar and debutant Anshul Kamboj—to polish off the tail with figures of 5 for 72, his best performance with the ball since September 2017.
Pant’s Grit Amid Pain Draws Applause
Rishabh Pant’s return to the crease after retiring hurt on Day 1 due to a fractured foot was nothing short of heroic. The wicketkeeper-batter hobbled his way to a crucial 54 off 69 balls, showing his typical flair even under visible discomfort. A six over long-on off Archer and a cheeky four off Stokes brought up his gritty half-century.
The crowd rose to their feet to acknowledge Pant’s courage. “It was an emotional moment,” said commentator Michael Atherton, “You don’t often see a player bat through that kind of pain with such intent.”
Thakur and Washington Offer Resistance
Before England’s resurgence with the ball, India’s tailenders chipped in with handy contributions. Shardul Thakur partnered with Washington Sundar to add 48 valuable runs for the seventh wicket. Thakur’s attacking 41 included some trademark punches through the offside, while Washington was more cautious, taking 19 balls to get off the mark before gradually accelerating.
However, Stokes’ reintroduction post-lunch broke the partnership, with both set batters falling in quick succession. India’s innings folded soon after for 358, having added 94 runs to their overnight score.
Lightning Start from Crawley and Duckett
England’s reply was electric. Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett came out with intent, racing past 50 within 11 overs. India’s new-ball duo, Jasprit Bumrah and Anshul Kamboj, found little help from the surface. Kamboj, especially, struggled for rhythm, leaking boundaries on both sides of the wicket.
Crawley drove Siraj past cover for a majestic four, while Duckett cashed in on anything straying onto his pads. A mix of classical strokeplay and aggressive intent saw the duo dismantle India’s opening spells, reaching 75 without loss at Tea.
Crawley Hits Top Gear Before Jadeja’s Turnaround
Post Tea, Zak Crawley looked unstoppable. He notched up his fifty in 73 balls with an array of stunning shots, including two boundaries off Thakur and a glorious six off Jadeja. However, it was the same bowler who finally broke the flourishing stand. A ball that turned sharply from Jadeja caught Crawley’s outside edge, and KL Rahul plucked a sharp low catch at first slip to dismiss him for 84.
Still, the platform was laid, and England had well and truly seized momentum.
Duckett Misses Ton but Leaves India on the Back Foot
Ben Duckett played the aggressor’s role to perfection. Having reached his half-century in just 46 deliveries, he continued attacking the Indian seamers. Siraj, in particular, bore the brunt of Duckett’s wrath, with multiple boundaries flowing through the offside.
Approaching what could have been a deserved century, Duckett perished on 94, attempting a cut off Kamboj and nicking behind to the keeper. The scalp gave Kamboj his maiden Test wicket but did little to derail England’s momentum.
Pope and Root Steady the Ship Before Stumps
Despite the fall of both openers, Joe Root and Ollie Pope ensured England ended the day without further hiccups. Root, after surviving a close lbw shout off Bumrah, played some fluid strokes, including a crisp straight drive off Kamboj. Pope looked assured, defending compactly and picking gaps to rotate strike effectively.
England’s score of 225/2 at close, with a scoring rate of 4.89 runs per over, exemplified their dominance, as they trimmed the deficit to just 133 runs with eight wickets in hand.
India’s Bowling Lacks Bite Beyond Bumrah
While Jasprit Bumrah created early discomfort for Crawley with his mix of lengths and seam movement, there was little support from the other end. Kamboj’s inexperience was evident in his inconsistency, and Siraj was unusually wayward. Thakur managed some swing but lacked the menace needed to break partnerships early.
Jadeja’s late breakthrough was the only bright spot in a bowling effort that looked short of ideas as the day progressed.
What to Expect on Day 3
As Day 3 dawns, England will look to build a significant first-innings lead with Root and Pope well set at the crease. With a deep batting lineup to follow—including Brook, Stokes, and Jamie Smith—the hosts have an opportunity to bat India out of the match. For India, early wickets will be the key. They’ll need to summon greater discipline with the ball, especially from their seamers, to limit the damage and avoid trailing significantly on the first innings.
The Old Trafford surface is still good for batting, but with footmarks forming, spinners could play a larger role in the latter half of the match. Expect Jadeja to bowl long spells, and if India manage to break through early, the game could yet swing again.
Brief Scores
India 1st Innings: 358 all out (Sai Sudharsan 61, Yashasvi Jaiswal 58, Rishabh Pant 54; Ben Stokes 5/72, Jofra Archer 3/73)
England 1st Innings: 225/2 in 46 overs (Ben Duckett 94, Zak Crawley 84; Ravindra Jadeja 1/37, Anshul Kamboj 1/48)
England trail by 133 runs
Read More: Rishabh Pant Bats with Broken Foot to Score 54 Runs in England vs India 4th Test
FAQs
What was the highlight of Day 2 in the England vs India 4th Test?
Ben Stokes’ five-wicket haul and the 166-run opening stand between Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett were the standout moments of Day 2.
Who top-scored for India in the first innings?
Sai Sudharsan was India’s top scorer with 61, followed by Yashasvi Jaiswal (58) and Rishabh Pant (54).
How many runs do England trail by at the end of Day 2?
England trail by 133 runs with eight wickets in hand.
Who dismissed Ben Duckett and Zak Crawley?
Zak Crawley was dismissed by Ravindra Jadeja, while Ben Duckett was caught behind off Anshul Kamboj.
What time does Day 3 of the Test match begin?
Play on Day 3 is scheduled to begin at 3:30 PM IST.
