Duckett, Crawley hit fifties as the hosts end Day 2 at 225/2; India bowled out for 358
Manchester: Ben Duckett slammed a blazing 94 and combined with Zak Crawley (84) for a 166-run opening stand to give England the upper hand against India on day two of the fourth Test at Old Trafford on Thursday. The hosts ended the day on a dominant 225 for two in reply to India’s 358, scoring at nearly five runs per over.
India’s pacers, especially Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj and debutant Anshul Kamboj, lacked accuracy on a pitch with seam movement. Far too many deliveries strayed down leg, allowing England’s openers to settle quickly under sunshine—contrasting the overcast conditions India faced. Kamboj, a last-minute inclusion in an injury-hit squad, endured a difficult debut before finally dismissing Duckett with a well-directed length ball.
The platform England built blunted India’s spirited batting effort earlier in the day, led by a heroic knock from Rishabh Pant. Batting with a fractured foot, the wicketkeeper-batter struck a valiant 54 off 75 balls to push India beyond the 350 mark.
Pant walked in after Shardul Thakur (41 off 88) departed, having added crucial lower-order runs. The southpaw earned a standing ovation upon his entry and again after reaching his half-century. Despite visible discomfort, he thrilled the crowd with signature flair — hoisting a Jofra Archer slower ball over mid-wicket for six and driving Ben Stokes through cover for four.
Archer eventually breached Pant’s defence with a peach, but not before the left-hander’s courage left even the opposition applauding. Joe Root patted him as he limped off. Earlier, Pant and Shardul had taken India to 321/6 at lunch.
Ben Stokes registered his first five-wicket haul in eight years, including the dismissal of Kamboj to wrap up India’s innings.
India resumed day two at 264/4 and did well to pass 300 in testing morning conditions. Archer’s fiery spell and Stokes’ awkward bounce tested India, but Pant’s bravery and lower-order resistance ensured a competitive total.
However, England’s aggressive reply — led by Duckett and Crawley — has put India firmly on the backfoot in a Test that could decide the series, with England leading 2-1.
