Stokes’ Five-For and Duckett-Crawley Blitz Steal the Show: India vs England 4th Test, Day 2 Thrills at Old Trafford”
Manchester, July 25 (Sports Desk)
The second day of the 4th Test between India and England at Old Trafford was a captivating spectacle of Test cricket, marked by Ben Stokes’ heroics with the ball, Rishabh Pant’s gritty defiance, and a blazing opening stand by England’s Ben Duckett and Zak Crawley. England ended the day firmly in control at 225/2, trailing India’s first innings total of 358 by 133 runs, with Joe Root (11*) and Ollie Pope (20*) unbeaten at stumps.
Morning Session: Stokes Shines, Pant Defies
India resumed Day 2 at 262/4, with Sai Sudharsan (61) and Ravindra Jadeja (20) at the crease. However, England’s captain Ben Stokes turned the tide with a fiery spell, claiming his first five-wicket haul since 2017 (5/72). Stokes bowled with relentless aggression, dismissing Jadeja early, caught by Harry Brook off Jofra Archer for 20 (40), reducing India to 266/5.
The spotlight then shifted to Rishabh Pant, who walked out to bat despite a fractured foot, showcasing remarkable courage. Pant’s 54 off 75 balls, including the 90th six of his Test career (equalling Virender Sehwag’s national record), propelled India to a competitive total. His innings ended when he was trapped LBW, but not before he surpassed Alec Stewart’s record of the highest run-tally by a wicketkeeper in a Test series in England (over 479 runs).
Stokes cleaned up the tail, with Jofra Archer (3/73) providing crucial support. India’s lower order crumbled, losing their last six wickets for 96 runs, bowled out for 358 in 98 overs. Debutant Anshul Kamboj (4) and Mohammed Siraj (2) couldn’t add much, leaving India hoping their bowlers could exploit the Dukes ball.
Afternoon Session: Duckett and Crawley Dominate
England’s openers, Ben Duckett and Zak Crawley, launched a ferocious counterattack, putting India’s bowlers under immediate pressure. The duo forged a 166-run opening stand at a run rate of 5.18, one of the most aggressive starts in the series. Duckett was particularly ruthless, scoring 94 off 100 balls with 11 fours, manipulating India’s spinners and punishing anything loose. His ability to access the square-leg region and dispatch good-length balls for boundaries, including a stunning reverse sweep off Ravindra Jadeja, left the crowd buzzing.
Crawley complemented Duckett with a composed 84 off 114 balls, though he survived a scare when Jasprit Bumrah rapped him on the hand with a sharp riser. India’s bowling, led by debutant Anshul Kamboj, struggled to find rhythm. Kamboj leaked three fours in his second over, while Mohammed Siraj was driven for boundaries when he pitched up. The new ball, typically potent with the Dukes, lost its threat after 10-15 overs, and India’s bowlers failed to capitalize.
Evening Session: India Fight Back, England Stay Ahead
The final 45 minutes saw India claw back with two late wickets. Ravindra Jadeja dismissed Crawley for 84, caught by Harry Brook, breaking the opening stand at 166. Debutant Anshul Kamboj then struck, removing Duckett for 94, caught at cover, just six runs short of a century. These strikes gave India a glimmer of hope, but England’s Joe Root and Ollie Pope weathered the storm, adding an unbroken 28 runs for the third wicket.
watch…..India 264/4 in 4th Test Match 1st day
England closed at 225/2 in 46 overs, trailing by 133 runs at a healthy run rate of 4.89. The pitch still offered some assistance, but England’s aggressive ‘Bazball’ approach, led by Duckett and Crawley, piled pressure back on India.
Key Performances
- Ben Stokes (ENG): 5/72, his first five-for in eight years, dismantling India’s middle and lower order.
- Rishabh Pant (IND): 54 (75), batted with a fractured foot, hit his 90th Test six, and set a new record for runs by a wicketkeeper in a Test series in England.
- Ben Duckett (ENG): 94 (100), missed a century but dominated with aggressive strokeplay.
- Zak Crawley (ENG): 84 (114), anchored the opening stand with composure.
- Ravindra Jadeja (IND): 1/40, dismissed Crawley to break the opening stand.
- Anshul Kamboj (IND): 1/45, picked up his maiden Test wicket (Duckett) on debut.
Talking Points
- Pant’s Bravery: Pant’s courage to bat with a fractured foot, likely ruling him out of the fifth Test, was a defining moment. His 54 was a testament to his grit and flair.
- Stokes’ All-Round Impact: Stokes’ five-wicket haul and leadership set the tone for England’s dominance.
- India’s Bowling Woes: The absence of Akash Deep (groin injury) and Arshdeep Singh (thumb injury) left India’s attack depleted. Kamboj’s inexperience showed, and Siraj lacked consistency.
- Bazball in Full Flow: Duckett and Crawley’s fearless batting at over 5 runs per over epitomized England’s aggressive approach.
Match Context
With the series poised at 2-1 in England’s favor after wins at Headingley (1st Test) and Lord’s (3rd Test), and India’s victory at Edgbaston (2nd Test), this match is critical for both teams in the 2025-2027 ICC World Test Championship. England’s strong position at stumps gives them the edge, but India’s late wickets keep them in the fight. The pitch, still offering some movement, promises an intriguing Day 3.
