England dominated day two of the fourth Test at Old Trafford, finishing at 225-2 in response to India’s 358, thanks to a scintillating 166-run opening stand.
Despite a courageous half-century from India’s Rishabh Pant, battling a fractured foot, England’s bowlers and batsmen took control of a match poised for an exciting finish.
India, resuming at 264-4, were bowled out for 358 in 114.1 overs. Pant, who retired hurt on 37 the previous evening, returned to score a defiant 54, including a pulled six off Jofra Archer, before his off stump was uprooted by the same bowler.
Ben Stokes led England’s attack with a masterful 5-72, his first five-wicket haul in eight years, while Archer chipped in with 3-73.
Sai Sudharsan (61) and Yashasvi Jaiswal (58) had earlier anchored India’s innings, but Stokes’ golden arm broke through, dismissing Shardul Thakur (41) and Washington Sundar (27) in quick succession after a frustrating morning session.
England’s reply was explosive. Crawley (84) and Duckett (94) tore into India’s seamers, who struggled with wayward lines under improving conditions.
The pair raced to a 166-run partnership at over five runs an over, with Duckett’s 46-ball fifty setting the tone.
However, both fell short of centuries—Crawley edging Ravindra Jadeja (1-37) to slip, and Duckett nicking debutant Anshul Kamboj (1-48) behind.
Ollie Pope (20no) and Joe Root (11no) steadied the ship, guiding England to stumps 133 runs behind.
Pant’s bravery, despite an injury likely to end his series, earned admiration from the Old Trafford crowd, but England’s aggressive batting and Stokes’ bowling heroics tilted the day firmly in their favor.
With the pitch offering movement, day three promises a thrilling contest.
Summary:
India 358 all out (114.1 overs): Sai Sudharsan (61), Yashasvi Jaiswal (58), Rishabh Pant (54); Ben Stokes (5-72), Jofra Archer (3-73).
England 225-2 (46 overs): Ben Duckett (94), Zak Crawley (84); Ravindra Jadeja (1-37), Anshul Kamboj (1-48).
