Crawley: On Day 2 of the fourth Test at Old Trafford, England countered a spirited display from India to regain the upper hand. India had posted 358 in their first innings, aided by a courageous 54 from Rishabh Pant, who batted bravely despite a fractured foot. England responded with a blistering 166‑run stand between openers Ben Duckett (94) and Zak Crawley (84), reducing the deficit to just 133 runs at 225‑2 at stumps.—they trail by 133 runs as play ended.
India’s Gritty First Innings
India resumed Day 2 on 264‑4. Despite his fractured toe, Pant returned to bat, limping onto the field and receiving a standing ovation. He added 17 to his overnight score, including a towering six off Jofra Archer before he was eventually clean bowling out for 54. His resistance drew praise, with commentators lauding his near-miraculous performance under duress.
Ben Stokes, England’s captain, then struck form with his first five‑wicket haul in eight years, finishing with figures of 5‑72, while Jofra Archer claimed 3‑73, including Pant’s wicket and Jadeja earlier. India’s lower order quickly folded, ending their innings at 358.
England’s Dominant Response
England’s reply began aggressively. By tea, Duckett and Crawley had brought the score to 77‑0, reducing the deficit significantly with a scoring rate over five runs per over.
In the evening session, the duo continued their assault. Duckett finished on 94, falling just short of a century, while Crawley posted 84. Together they had taken full advantage of erratic Indian bowling, particularly in the middle session when conditions favored batting. England’s 225‑2 at the close left them trailing by just 133—well within sight of taking control if the middle order capitalizes.
Joe Root and Ollie Pope provided solid support towards stumps, navigating through tense moments and ending the day 11 and 20 respectively**, keeping England in strong position with one Test to play.
Key Takeaways & Tactical Insight
- England’s batting response was built on aggression and momentum—Duckett scored his 15th Test fifty and Crawley notch his 23rd fifty-plus score.
- Conditions shifted in England’s favor as the day progressed, with improved lighting and weather assisting their pace bowlers in the morning and batters later.
- Some critics questioned India’s captaincy, suggesting their bowling strategy allowed England’s openers to flourish. Former England captain Nasser Hussain remarked that India effectively “handed Rishabh Pant’s runs back” with their choices on the field.
Outlook: Series in the Balance
With 2–1 in England’s favor in this five‑match series, a win here at Old Trafford would seal the series. India will need a strong day three response, perhaps from Washington Sundar, Shardul Thakur, or their middle order, to regroup. England, meanwhile, are firmly in control with momentum and conditions favoring their declared aggressive “Bazball” style.
In short: after Pant’s defiant presence under pain, England’s openers Crawley and Duckett engineered a game-changing response. Their partnership, backed by Stokes’ bowling, turned the match tide and put England firmly in command heading into Day 3.
