Stokes Duckett Crawley Day 2 report
On Day 2 of the 4th Test between England and India at Old Trafford, England took firm control of the match. Captain Ben Stokes picked up a brilliant five-wicket haul, while openers Ben Duckett and Zak Crawley added a rapid 166-run partnership. India, despite a courageous half-century from an injured Rishabh Pant, were bowled out for 358. England ended the day at 225/2, trailing by just 133 runs with eight wickets in hand.
🧨 Morning Session – Stokes Stars with the Ball
India began Day 2 at 264/4. They added 94 more runs before being bowled out. Early in the session, Jofra Archer dismissed Ravindra Jadeja using the second new ball. Then Ben Stokes, showing excellent rhythm, dismissed Washington Sundar, Anshul Kamboj, and Rishabh Pant, completing a five-wicket haul—his first since 2017. Stokes Duckett Crawley Day 2 report
Rishabh Pant, who was injured on Day 1 with a foot fracture, returned to bat. Despite limping, he played with determination and brought up a gritty 54 from just 75 balls. His brave innings included boundaries and a six, showing courage in the face of pain. Pant’s presence lifted India’s score to a respectable total, even though wickets kept falling at the other end. Stokes Duckett Crawley Day 2 report
🏏 England’s Aggressive Start – Duckett and Crawley Shine
England’s openers started confidently. Ben Duckett and Zak Crawley showed no signs of pressure. They punished India’s inconsistent bowling, especially from debutant Anshul Kamboj, who gave away early boundaries. By Tea, England had crossed 80 runs with both openers looking set.
After Tea, the duo continued their dominance. Duckett brought up his half-century off just 46 balls. Crawley followed with a 73-ball fifty. Both batted fluently, putting pressure on the Indian bowlers. They added 166 runs for the first wicket, scoring at nearly 5 runs per over, a rare rate in Test cricket.
Eventually, Ravindra Jadeja dismissed Crawley for 84 with a turning delivery that edged to slip. Soon after, Duckett was caught behind for 94, giving Kamboj his maiden Test wicket. Stokes Duckett Crawley Day 2 report
👊 Root and Pope Steady the Ship
After the openers fell, Joe Root and Ollie Pope took charge. Root showed his class with elegant straight drives, while Pope played cautiously to avoid further damage before stumps. England ended the day at 225/2, only 133 runs behind India’s total, and in a commanding position. Stokes Duckett Crawley Day 2 report
🔍 India’s Bowling Woes
India’s bowlers struggled throughout the day. Anshul Kamboj, making his Test debut, bowled too many loose deliveries. Mohammed Siraj and Shardul Thakur were also inconsistent. Jasprit Bumrah looked sharp at times, troubling Crawley and Root with his pace and swing, but couldn’t deliver the breakthroughs when needed.
💥 Key Highlights
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Ben Stokes: 5/72 – First five-wicket haul since 2017.
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Rishabh Pant: Scored 54 despite a foot injury.
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Duckett and Crawley: 166-run opening stand.
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India: All out for 358 after starting Day 2 at 264/4.
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England: Reached 225/2 at stumps, trailing by only 133 runs.
📊 Match Summary
| Team | Innings | Score | Key Performers |
|---|---|---|---|
| India | 1st | 358 all out | Pant 54, Jaiswal 58, Stokes 5/72 |
| England | 1st | 225/2 | Duckett 94, Crawley 84, Jadeja 1/37 |
| India Leads | – | By 133 runs |
England will aim to build a strong lead with Root and Pope at the crease. They have a solid platform and will look to bat long. India will hope to take quick wickets early on Day 3 and avoid letting England pull away with a big first-innings lead. Stokes Duckett Crawley Day 2 report
With Pant injured and the bowlers under pressure, India needs a big turnaround to stay alive in the match.
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