On the 2nd Day of the fourth Test at Old Trafford, England’s experienced opening duo, Ben Duckett and Zak Crawley, delivered a masterclass of persistence and controlled aggression to rupture India’s resistance. Their commanding 166-run partnership gave England the upper hand, reducing India’s influence in the match. Rishabh Pant’s courageous return with a fractured foot helped India establish its dominance at the beginning of the match.
Pant received a huge applause from viewers, fans, teammates, and veterans. Despite his fractured foot, he returned to the ground to strengthen Team India’s confidence and batting unit. However, at the end of the day, England regained its position due to its stable and stylish opening partnerships.
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India’s early promise and Pant’s heroic defiance
India began the day on a strong note, closing at 264 for 4 overnight. Expectations were elevated after contributions from Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, and Jasprit Bumrah earlier in the match. Their first-innings total of 358 owed much to Pant’s gritty return post-injury.
He added 17 runs to his overnight 37 while visibly limping, before being dismissed for 54 by Jofra Archer. He notably struck a powerful six while clearly in pain, demonstrating exceptional resolve that earned acclaim from legends like Sachin Tendulkar for “playing through pain”.
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However, India’s seamers were increasingly wayward under shifting conditions. Jofra Archer and Ben Stokes exploited movement under overcast skies. Stokes claimed his first Test five‑wicket haul since 2017, ending with figures of 5 for 72, a performance hailed as “phenomenal” by Zak Crawley.
Duckett & Crawley seize control
England’s reply was built around the opening pair’s dazzling stand. Duckett and Crawley gave a smooth start to their team. Their runs were coming with a brisk rate of 5.18 per over. They were successful in building pressure on the Indian bowling attack. They accumulated 166 runs, highlighting both articulacy and intent.
Duckett’s innings were especially commanding. He pulled, clipped, and drove with precision, displaying his ability to handle Jasprit Bumrah’s threat.
Crawley, too, was fluent, adjusting to better footwork after a blow to his hand, and contributing an elegant 84 before edging Jadeja.
Duckett fell just six runs short of his hundred, dismissed for 94, while Crawley was trapped for 84. Their departures came in quick succession late in the day, but the damage was done. England closed at 225 for 2, managing to reduce the deficit to just 133 runs, with comfortable momentum in hand.
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Key statistics at a glance
| Metric | Value |
| India’s first‑innings total | 358 all out |
| Pant’s contribution | 54 (injured foot) |
| England Day 2 close | 225/2 |
| Openers’ partnership | 166 runs at 5.18 rpo |
| Duckett’s score | 94 |
| Crawley’s score | 84 |
| Stokes’ bowling | 5/72 |
Momentum shifts and tactical impact
India entered Day 2 with confidence. But their lower‑order collapsed again, meaning their first‑innings total, though respectable, proved insufficient. Stokes, returning to his peak form, wrecked the tail, and Archer’s 3/73 further compounded India’s woes.
The Duckett‑Crawley stand turned the tide. England, known for their aggressive “Bazball” style, blended discipline with intent, probing, waiting, then attacking when India’s discipline crumbled. The partnership felt unhurried yet ruthless, reflecting both technical maturity and strategic poise.
India’s bowling let them down with inconsistent lengths, misplaced field settings, and brittle seam‑bowling under English conditions. Pant’s heroics aside, there was limited support up front. His emotional knock lifted his spirit, but India needed more collective discipline to build on it.
What lies ahead
England now head into Day 3 with clear ascendancy. When play resumes, they will resume close to parity, with the likes of Joe Root and Ollie Pope around to continue. While India’s spin options, Jadeja and Thakur, remain threats.
Pant’s injury will be monitored. His ability to walk out and bat with a fractured foot inspired many, but his fitness could influence India’s resilience in the remaining stretch. India must find discipline with the ball, lest England advance further on their chase.
Meanwhile, England’s openers gave the team a good start. The damage they inflicted, especially Duckett’s near‑century under profound pressure, will haunt Indian bowlers.
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Conclusion
Day 2 of the fourth Test will be recalled for the defining entrance of Duckett and Crawley, whose mature aggression shattered India’s resolve, and for Pant, whose bravery offered emotional highs amid strategic lows.
For MyChamp11 fans, this day signified Test cricket at its finest, ability, courage, momentum, and the drama that makes the game unforgettable.
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