England asserted dominance on Day 2, ending play at 225/2, just 133 runs behind India’s 358. The momentum shift came courtesy of Ben Stokes’ first five-wicket haul since 2017, and the dynamic 166-run opening stand between Ben Duckett (94*) and Zak Crawley (84), steering England firmly back into the Test.
Stokes Silences India, Pant’s Brave Resistance
England’s second innings began with Jofra Archer removing Ravindra Jadeja early. From there, Shardul Thakur (41) and Washington Sundar (27) quietly added 48 crucial runs, frustrating England’s bowling.
Giving bowling is captain’s call, not in my hands
Thakur, known for his advocacy of equitable pitches, added: “All bowlers want is a fair chance … not pitches heavily favouring batters” —a reminder of the finer balance in Old Trafford’s conditions.
Enter Ben Stokes: drawing Thakur into a misjudged drive and capturing him at gully, then removing Washington Sundar. Soon after, Rishabh Pant, limping on a fractured toe, returned to rapturous applause and hit a gutsy 54 before Jofra Archer uprooted his off-stump.
Stokes finished with 5-72, and Archer grabbed 3-75, dismissing India in 114.1 overs.
Dazzling Ducks: Duckett & Crawley Dominate
England's response saw power-packed intent. Duckett targeted debutant Anshul Kamboj with four early boundaries, while Crawley seized on anything loose from Siraj.
Ben [Stokes] is a phenomenal cricketer… his attitude to keep coming is unbelievable.
Duckett reached fifty in 46 balls, Crawley in 73, and together they effectively put India on the back foot. Crawley eventually edged Jadeja to slip for 84; Duckett narrowly missed out on a century, caught behind off Kamboj. Yet Joe Root (11*) and Ollie Pope (20*) ensured England ended the day solidly placed.
England Eyes First-Innings Lead
With Old Trafford showing assistance to seamers early and flat conditions later favoring batters, England’s aggressive “Bazball” tactics are paying off. Root and Pope will resume with England seeking to overtake India’s total and claim a significant lead on Day 3.
Brief Scores: India 358 all out (Sai Sudharsan 61, Jaiswal 58, Pant 54; Stokes 5-72, Archer 3-75) England 225/2 in 46 overs (Duckett 94*, Crawley 84; Jadeja 1-37, Kamboj 1-48) England trail by 133 runs
