The second day of the fourth Test between India and England saw an evenly poised battle at the crease, as India wrapped up their first innings for 358 runs in 114.1 overs in Ranchi. It was a collective effort from India’s top and middle order, while England’s veteran Ben Stokes turned the game with a magnificent five-wicket haul, leading his team’s fightback.
After resuming the day at 264/4, India would have hoped for a bigger total, especially given the solid platform laid by the likes of Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, and debutant Sai Sudharsan. But England’s persistence with the ball, particularly through Stokes and Jofra Archer, restricted India’s advance.
Top Order Shows Grit
Yashasvi Jaiswal, who has been in sublime touch this series, played another composed knock of 58 off 107 balls, laced with 10 boundaries and a six. He was the first wicket to fall on Day 2, caught by Harry Brook off Liam Dawson, shortly after KL Rahul (46 off 98) had departed to Chris Woakes late on Day 1. Together, they added 94 for the opening wicket, giving India a strong start.
Captain Shubman Gill failed to capitalize on the start, managing only 12 before being trapped LBW by Stokes. But the young and promising Sai Sudharsan showed temperament beyond his years, compiling a patient 61 off 151 balls. His innings was crucial in holding the innings together, even as wickets began to tumble around him.
Middle Order Adds Crucial Runs
Rishabh Pant injected some much-needed momentum into the innings. His 54 off 75 balls, featuring 3 fours and 2 sixes, was a counter-attacking effort that frustrated England. He built a 72-run stand with Sudharsan and added another brief 23-run partnership with Shardul Thakur (41 off 88), who continued his handy run with the bat in the lower order.
Washington Sundar (27 off 90) dug in deep but couldn’t convert it into a bigger score. His stubborn resistance, however, helped India stretch the total beyond 350.
Ben Stokes Turns the Tide
The highlight of the day, though, belonged to England skipper Ben Stokes. On a pitch offering little for the pacers, Stokes showed great control and variation to return with outstanding figures of 5 for 72 in 24 overs. His double strike late in the day — removing Sundar and debutant Anshul Kamboj in the same over — turned the momentum in England’s favor.
Jofra Archer, showing signs of his best, chipped in with 3 crucial wickets, including the dangerous Pant and Jadeja. Chris Woakes and Liam Dawson claimed a wicket each.
India’s Lower Order Falters
Once Pant fell at 349, the tail offered little resistance. Bumrah (4) and Siraj (5*) added a few quick runs before India were bowled out for 358, leaving England with a challenge ahead on a pitch that still looks decent for batting but is beginning to show signs of variable bounce.
Fall of Wickets:
- Rahul – 94/1 (29.6)
- Jaiswal – 120/2 (40.1)
- Gill – 140/3 (49.1)
- Sudharsan – 235/4 (73.5)
- Jadeja – 266/5 (84.5)
- Thakur – 314/6 (101.4)
- Sundar – 337/7 (109.2)
- Kamboj – 337/8 (109.5)
- Pant – 349/9 (112.3)
- Bumrah – 358/10 (114.1)
England’s Response Awaits
With India setting a decent total, the spotlight now turns to England’s batting unit. The likes of Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, and Joe Root will be key to setting a strong reply and gaining control of this crucial Test.
The pitch is expected to get tougher for batting from Day 3 onwards, and the Indian spin trio of Jadeja, Sundar, and possibly Sudharsan’s part-time offerings will be itching to make early inroads.
Score Summary – India 1st Innings:
Total: 358 all out in 114.1 overs
Top scorers:
- Sai Sudharsan – 61 (151)
- Yashasvi Jaiswal – 58 (107)
- Rishabh Pant – 54 (75)
- Shardul Thakur – 41 (88)
Best Bowlers (England): - Ben Stokes – 5/72
- Jofra Archer – 3/73
- Chris Woakes – 1/66
- Liam Dawson – 1/45
