England gained confidence on Day 2 of the fourth test at Old Trafford. After wrapping up the Indian innings at 358, England finished the day at 225/2. Rishabh Pant played a superb innings despite his injury, while Shardul Thakur also made a useful contribution. When England came in to bat, Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett set the tone with a 166-run opening partnership. Now, India will hope to wrap up the England innings as quickly as possible on Day 3. All eyes will be on Bumrah and company.

Pant’s Heroic Return Stuns Everyone

Rishabh Pant gave Indian fans a moment to remember at Old Trafford. He walked out to bat on a fractured foot, wearing protective gear, and shocked everyone—hardcore fans, casual viewers, and even those who don’t follow cricket. His bravery made the match result feel secondary. By the end of the day, though, India was slowly losing grip on the Manchester Test.

India Struggles with the New Ball

The Dukes ball isn’t too dangerous when new. It becomes tricky after the lacquer wears off in 10–15 overs. India had managed this period well in earlier Tests, except at Headingley. However, this time, they failed. Even when England had two fresh batters at the crease, including a nervous Ollie Pope, India could not capitalize. England held firm and ended the day at 225 for 2 in 46 overs, needing 133 more to take a first-innings lead.

Stokes Breaks Through as Pant Shocks with His Entry

The morning session stayed mostly quiet until Ben Stokes dismissed Shardul Thakur for 41. Earlier, Pant had injured his foot so badly he needed a vehicle to exit the ground. The BCCI later said Pant was available to bat if needed, and most assumed he would come out last. Instead, he shocked everyone by strapping on his gear and walking down the stairs to bat much earlier.

England's Openers Punish India

Ben Duckett and Zak Crawley put up a massive 166-run stand at over five runs an over. They didn’t aim to score fast, but India’s poor bowling gave them scoring chances. The bowlers missed their lines often, and the errors were glaring.

India may argue they were copying England’s tactics. For example, Jofra Archer bowled on leg stump to left-handers and took wickets. But when debutant Anshul Kamboj tried the same, he conceded three boundaries in an over. Similarly, Stokes bowled full and got rewards, but Siraj’s full deliveries kept getting hit for fours.

Only in the final hour did India show some fight. Jadeja dismissed Crawley for 84, and Kamboj removed Duckett for 94.

Pant Pushes India Past 350

Despite his injury, Pant helped India cross the 350-run mark. He scored 54 off 75 balls, including his 90th six in Test cricket, tying Sehwag’s national record. He also passed 479 runs in this series, beating Alec Stewart’s record for most runs by a wicketkeeper in a Test series in England. Quite a feat for someone wearing a moonboot.

Stokes Shines Again with the Ball

Stokes picked up his first five-wicket haul since 2013-14 Ashes, making it 16 wickets this series—his personal best. He often gets results because he takes risks. Sometimes he bowls very full and gets movement, as Thakur experienced. Other times, he bowls short and hurries batters, which worked against Washington Sundar. His final wicket of the day was a beauty—pitched in, moved away, and took Kamboj’s edge.

England’s Batting Gains Strength

Duckett took advantage of India’s poor lines. He even turned a good delivery on off stump into a midwicket boundary, thrilling the crowd. His 50 came without a single off-side four, and he marked the milestone with a stylish back-foot punch.

Crawley, meanwhile, played more carefully. He took 14 balls to get off the mark. A sharp Bumrah delivery hit his bottom hand early on, showing the pitch still offered help to fast bowlers. This is why India may feel disappointed. The surface supported bowlers, but they didn’t use it well.

Late Fightback Offers Hope

India's bowlers finally found some rhythm near the end. They beat the bat often but either overpitched or strayed to the pads. Crawley struck some elegant cover drives and looked set to bat through the day with Duckett. However, India’s two late wickets opened a window.

Brief Scorecard