India vs England, 4th Test Day 2: Crawley & Duckett Dominate, Rain Clouds Lurk
Old Trafford, Manchester | July 24, 2025 — India’s second innings closed at 358, with Rishabh Pant bravely battling through a fractured toe to contribute a gritty fifty. But England’s response was immediate and impressive: openers Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett stitched a commanding partnership, leaving England at 154/0 at stumps and firmly in control.
Weather & Pitch Report: A Rain‑Interrupted Affair
Persistent rain continued to threaten play, forcing early training indoors and slowing Day 2’s start. But as the morning progressed, improved sunshine followed and helped restore normalcy, although the forecast still warns of light showers throughout the Test week.
England’s Opening Blitz
- Zak Crawley (77 off 104) and Ben Duckett (70 off 73) took full advantage of a striped-out pitch, forging an unbroken 154-run stand at stumps.
- After tea, Crawley shifted gears aggressively, even blasting a six down the ground off Jadeja—highlighting England’s intent to dominate under improving conditions.
This opening stand denied India any opportunity to gain foothold with the new ball and drastically swung momentum in England’s favor.
India’s Bowling Efforts: Stokes Torque & New Ball Test
Early on, veteran Jofra Archer and Ben Stokes applied pressure to India’s tail, fetching breakthroughs and keeping England riding the momentum. Stokes, the England captain, achieved a milestone: his first five-wicket haul in Test cricket since 2017, delivering a remarkable 5/72 off 24 overs.
In contrast, India’s pacers struggled for consistency. Mohammed Siraj leaked runs in his spell, while debutant Anshul Kamboj showed promise but remained expensive.
Key Moments of the Day
- Pant’s resilience: Rishabh Pant bravely made 54 despite a fractured toe, reinforcing India’s total to 358.
- Stokes’ resurgence: Taking five wickets across two days, delivering a game-changing performance.
- England’s openers dominate: A crushing 154-run opening stand lands the hosts firmly ahead
Where Things Stand at Stumps
| Team | Score | Session Summary |
|---|---|---|
| India 2nd Innings | 358 all out | Pant’s gritty 54 on injured foot |
| England 1st Innings | 154/0 (29 overs) | Crawley 77*, Duckett 70* |
What Lies Ahead on Day 3
- Opening breakthrough: India desperately needs early wickets to disrupt England’s pair and swing the match.
- Weather watch: Though rain risk remains, periods of play are expected—Day 3 weather could significantly shape proceedings.
- India’s test: Can Indian pacers and Jadeja strike early, or will Crawley and Duckett extend their dominance?
India finds themselves under pressure. Despite heroic performances and a competitive total, England’s openers have seized the platform and, backed by rain-free sessions, are in a commanding position at 154/0. With the ball returning in England’s favor and the weather clearing, Day 3 could tilt the series decisively.
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