Manchester, July 24, 2025 — The fourth Test between India and England at Old Trafford has witnessed a thrilling shift in momentum, with the hosts mounting a strong response to India’s first-innings total of 358. At stumps on Day 2, England were comfortably placed at 225/2 in just 46 overs, trailing by 133 runs, thanks to an explosive 166-run opening partnership between Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett.
India’s First Innings: Pant, Sudharsan and Thakur Anchor a Gritty 358
After resuming Day 2 at a stable position, India managed to post a competitive 358 runs in 114.1 overs. Young opener Yashasvi Jaiswal scored a composed 58 off 107 balls, supported early on by KL Rahul (46 off 98). The duo stitched together a solid opening partnership of 94 before Rahul fell to Chris Woakes late on Day 1.
Sai Sudharsan, making only his second Test appearance, impressed with a patient 61 off 151 balls, holding the innings together in the middle. Contributions from Rishabh Pant (54 off 75) and Shardul Thakur (41 off 88) added valuable runs to the scoreboard.
India, however, failed to capitalise on their solid foundation as Ben Stokes triggered a collapse. The English skipper bowled with aggression and precision, picking up a brilliant 5-wicket haul (5/72 in 24 overs). Jofra Archer (3/73) backed him well, using pace and bounce effectively, while Liam Dawson and Woakes claimed one wicket each.
England’s Aggressive Reply: Crawley and Duckett Dominate
In reply, England came out with intent. Openers Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett took full advantage of the relatively flat pitch, punishing the Indian pacers right from the start. Their 166-run stand came in just 192 balls, setting the tone for England’s aggressive counterattack.
Crawley looked in sublime touch, racing to 84 off 113 balls with 13 fours and a six before falling to a sharp catch by KL Rahul off Jadeja. Duckett was even more aggressive, smashing 94 off just 100 deliveries before being dismissed by debutant Anshul Kamboj.
Ollie Pope (20 off 42) and Joe Root (11 off 27) ensured there were no further hiccups before the close of play. England ended Day 2 at 225/2 in just 46 overs, scoring at a brisk run rate of 4.89.
India’s Bowling: Flat and Uninspired
India’s bowlers struggled to find rhythm and breakthroughs on a pitch that offered little assistance. Senior pacer Jasprit Bumrah remained economical with figures of 13-4-37-0, but couldn’t break through. Debutant Anshul Kamboj managed to dismiss Duckett for his maiden Test wicket but leaked 48 runs in 10 overs. Mohammed Siraj (0/58 in 10) and Shardul Thakur (0/35 in 5) were ineffective, while Ravindra Jadeja managed a solitary wicket with figures of 1/37 in 8 overs.
Score Summary:
India 1st Innings – 358 all out (114.1 overs)
- Yashasvi Jaiswal 58, Sai Sudharsan 61, Rishabh Pant 54
- Ben Stokes 5/72, Jofra Archer 3/73
England 1st Innings – 225/2 (46 overs)
- Zak Crawley 84, Ben Duckett 94
- Ravindra Jadeja 1/37, Anshul Kamboj 1/48
Day 2 Takeaways:
- Ben Stokes’ fiery five-wicket haul derailed India’s middle order.
- Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett’s aggressive stand has placed England in a commanding position.
- Indian bowlers looked toothless despite early breakthroughs on Day 1.
- Debutant Anshul Kamboj showed promise but lacked consistency.
What to Expect on Day 3:
With England just 133 runs behind and eight wickets in hand, Day 3 could prove decisive. If Joe Root and Pope can carry the innings forward, England might take a crucial first-innings lead. For India, early wickets in the morning session will be vital to regain control.
