ENG vs IND, 4th test, Day 2 Report: England in control with Ben Stokes’ five-for and a 166-run opening stand

In the England vs India, 4th test, in Manchester, the home side took decisive control on Day 2, capitalising on solid foundations laid by their openers Zak Crawley (84) and Ben Duckett (94), both of whom registered confident fifties. While going after India's 358 in the first inning, England finished day 2 on 225/2 in just 46 overs. 

Risabh Pant's heroics took India to 358

The day began with England striking early, with Jofra Archer removing Ravindra Jadeja on 20. However, India fought back with a decent partnership between all-rounders Shardul Thakur and Washington Sundar. But the highlight of the day happened when Ben Stokes dismissed Shardul on 41 off 88 balls. Rishabh Pant, who had fractured his toe on Day 1, came out to bat despite being advised a 6-week rest by the doctors.

Pant's grit and determination helped him cross the fifty mark while India crossed the 350 mark, despite very little contribution from the tail. India finished on 358 in the first inning while Pant went back to the dressing room after an inspiring 54, on a standing ovation by everyone at the Emirates Old Trafford Stadium. 

Ben Stokes was impressive with his 24-72-5 spell. He became only the fourth player in test history to have 10 centuries and 5 five-wicket hauls.

Ducckett and Crawley added 166 for the opening wicket

Continuing their solid start on Day 2, Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett shared an impressive unbroken partnership of 166 runs at better than five an over, suggesting 'BazBall' was back. Debutant Anshul Kamboj was ineffective in his first spell along with Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj and Shardul Thakur. In fact, India's bowling was so poor that Ravi Shastri did not think twice before calling it 'rubbish' during commentary. 

Crawley first took his time early, before he latched onto everything loose, presented to him even in challenging conditions. His steady accumulation was punctuated by a fluent cover drive and a well-executed cut that brought up his fifty runs. 

Duckett, playing fluently from the other end, punished runs gifted on his pads by the Indian bowlers, predominantly scoring on the leg side. His fifty was compiled at nearly a run a ball and was characterised by seven boundaries primarily on the leg side. 

India sturck twice late in the day

However, the tide turned in the 32nd over, courtesy of India’s senior spinner Ravindra Jadeja. Jadeja, who had been brought on to control the runs, was no-balled for overstepping but quickly bounced back with a sharp delivery pitching just outside off stump. Crawley, looking to carve through point, edged a ball that carried to KL Rahul at first slip, ending his innings on a well-made 84 off 113 balls.

Duckett’s vigil, however, was not to culminate in a century this time. On 94, he fell victim to Kamboj’s rising ball on a short-and-wide length. Trying to cut over point, he edged behind to Jurel, marking the third occasion he has been dismissed in the 90s. 

After those late wickets, Joe Root and Ollie Pope adopted a watchful approach near stumps as the scoring rate dipped below five runs per over for the first time in the innings. 

As the sun set on Day 2, England have put themselves in a commanding position, with their experienced top three and aggressive openers signalling intent to wrest full control. India, with two late wickets, made a comeback but must regroup quickly with the ball to restrain England and keep their hopes alive.