Manchester: India found themselves under pressure on Day 2 of the fourth Test against England at Old Trafford, despite Rishabh Pant’s valiant half-century. England’s openers Ben Duckett and Zak Crawley stitched together a massive 166-run opening stand to finish the day strongly at 225/2, trailing India’s first-innings total of 358 by just 133 runs.
Duckett, who scored a blazing 94 off 100 balls, and Crawley, who contributed 84 off 113, dominated India’s bowlers, punishing anything loose. The Indian attack appeared wayward, with former England captain Nasser Hussain sharply criticising Shubman Gill’s leadership and bowling choices.
“They bowled both sides of the wicket. Too many on the pads. Captain’s decisions were questionable,” said Hussain on Sky Sports.
“Pant batted on one leg and got valuable runs. They’ve just handed those runs back.”
Hussain also expressed surprise at debutant Anshul Kamboj being handed the new ball ahead of Mohammed Siraj, suggesting Siraj should’ve partnered Jasprit Bumrah from the more responsive end.
England’s dominance began in the final session, resuming from 77/0. Duckett brought up his half-century with a boundary off Shardul Thakur, followed by Crawley in the next over. The duo maintained the scoring momentum, with Duckett hitting the team’s 150 in the 29th over.
India finally got a breakthrough in the 32nd over when Ravindra Jadeja removed Crawley. Kamboj then picked up his maiden Test wicket, dismissing Duckett at 197. England crossed the 200-run mark shortly after, with Ollie Pope and Joe Root taking the team safely to stumps at 225/2 in 46 overs. Pope was unbeaten on 18 and Root on 10.
For India, Kamboj (1/48 in 10 overs) and Jadeja (1/37 in 8) were the only wicket-takers.
Earlier in the day, Rishabh Pant provided the spark in India’s innings, coming out to bat visibly injured. Despite his discomfort, he struck a fighting 54 off 75 balls, including a boundary that brought up his half-century.
India, who resumed the second session on 321/6, lost Washington Sundar (27) and Kamboj (0) in quick succession to Ben Stokes. Pant’s dismissal at 349 by Jofra Archer ended India’s hopes of a bigger total. The innings wrapped up at 358, with Jasprit Bumrah being the final wicket.
Ben Stokes was the standout bowler for England, claiming a brilliant 5/72 in 24 overs. Archer supported well with 3/73, while Woakes and Dawson chipped in with a wicket each.
India had a shaky start to the day, adding just 57 runs in the morning session. Archer removed Ravindra Jadeja for 20, while Thakur played a gritty hand of 41 before being dismissed by Stokes.
However, the highlight of the session was Pant’s determined entry. Battling pain, he received a roaring reception from the Manchester crowd and gave the Indian innings a much-needed boost.
India: 358 all out (Sai Sudarshan 61, Yashasvi Jaiswal 58; Ben Stokes 5/72)
England: 225/2 in 46 overs (Ben Duckett 94, Zak Crawley 84; Ravindra Jadeja 1/37, Anshul Kamboj 1/48)
With three days of play remaining, the match hangs in the balance — but India will need sharper bowling and smarter leadership to claw back into the contest.
