England Stun India With Commanding Reply on Day 2
Day 2 of the fourth Test at Old Trafford, Manchester, delivered a dramatic shift in momentum as England’s openers staged a dominant response to India’s first-innings total. Here’s a detailed breakdown of all the action that unfolded on July 24, 2025.
Morning Session: India Add Crucial Runs, Lose Momentum
- India resumed at 264/4, with hopes of building a big total.
- Ravindra Jadeja was dismissed early by Jofra Archer, departing for 20.
- Shardul Thakur (28) and Washington Sundar (22) contributed a valiant 48-run partnership for the seventh wicket.
- Rishabh Pant, batting despite a painful foot injury, brought energy to the crease and registered a fighting 54 off 75 balls before being cleaned up by Jofra Archer.
- India’s tail offered little resistance as Ben Stokes, England’s captain, claimed an impressive 5-wicket haul (5/72).
| Top Indian Performers | Runs/Wickets |
|---|---|
| Sai Sudharsan | 61 |
| Yashasvi Jaiswal | 58 |
| Rishabh Pant | 54 |
| Ben Stokes | 5/72 |
| Jofra Archer | 3/73 |
India were bowled out for 358 in 118.1 overs.
Afternoon & Evening: England’s Openers Dominate
- England’s openers entered aggressively, taking full advantage of favorable batting conditions.
- Ben Duckett (94) and Zak Crawley (84) put on a fearless 166-run stand for the first wicket, demoralizing the Indian attack.
- Ravindra Jadeja finally broke the partnership, dismissing Crawley, while Anshul Kamboj picked up Duckett late in the session.
- At stumps, England reached 225/2 in just 46 overs, trailing India by only 133 runs and with eight wickets in hand. Ollie Pope (20*) and Joe Root (11*) remained unbeaten at the crease.
| Top England Performers | Runs |
|---|---|
| Ben Duckett | 94 |
| Zak Crawley | 84 |
| Ollie Pope (not out) | 20 |
| Joe Root (not out) | 11 |
Turning Points & Key Moments
- Rishabh Pant’s courage was a talking point, battling injury to score a gritty half-century and lift India past 350.
- The 166-run opening stand by Duckett and Crawley shifted the game in England’s favor, blunting India’s bowling arsenal and setting up potential for a huge first-innings lead.
- Stokes’ five-wicket haul was pivotal, turning the match after a solid Indian start.
- Debutant Anshul Kamboj’s first Test wicket (Duckett) provided India a small consolation late in the day.
What to Watch for on Day 3
- England look primed to take the lead with a strong platform already built.
- India’s bowlers, led by Bumrah and Jadeja, need early wickets to claw back into the contest.
- All eyes will be on Stokes, Root, and India’s response in what promises to be a crucial third day.
Day 2 ended with England in the ascendancy, their aggressive openers and Stokes’ heroics putting the hosts in a commanding position. The fourth Test is set up for a thrilling finish as both teams battle for control in Manchester.