Manchester, 25 July 2025 – The fourth Test between India and England at Old Trafford, Manchester, remains finely poised after an eventful Day 2 that saw momentum swing between the two sides.
After winning the toss on Day 1 and choosing to bowl first on what appeared to be a good batting surface, England’s decision partly paid off. India, resuming at 264/4 overnight, were bowled out for 358 in their first innings. The highlight of the Indian innings was the pair of stylish half-centuries from young openers Yashasvi Jaiswal (58) and Sai Sudharsan (61). The lower order, however, couldn’t contribute significantly on the second morning.
For England, it was captain Ben Stokes who turned the tide with a brilliant bowling performance, claiming a five-wicket haul (5/71) to wrap up India’s innings quickly. His spell ensured that India couldn’t stretch their total to 400+ despite a solid platform.
In reply, England’s top order came out with positive intent. Openers Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett put on a blistering partnership of 166 runs, attacking the Indian bowlers and setting a strong base. Crawley played a fluent knock, finding boundaries at will, while Duckett complemented him with his aggressive strokeplay.
India found some relief as Ravindra Jadeja finally broke the stand by dismissing Duckett, and debutant Anshul Kamboj struck to remove Crawley. However, England’s middle order steadied the ship, with experienced batter Joe Root and Ollie Pope remaining unbeaten at the close of play.
At stumps on Day 2, England reached 225/2, still trailing by 133 runs, but with eight wickets in hand and two set batters looking to capitalize on the good batting conditions.
Key highlights from Day 2:
India all out for 358: Yashasvi Jaiswal (58) and Sai Sudharsan (61) starred with the bat.
Ben Stokes’ five-for: A captain’s performance that pegged back India’s hopes of a bigger first-innings total.
England’s dominant start: Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett added 166 runs for the first wicket.
Late breakthroughs for India: Jadeja and Kamboj took a wicket each to keep India in the contest.
Changes in playing XI: India brought in Sai Sudharsan, Shardul Thakur, and Anshul Kamboj, while England replaced injured spinner Shoaib Bashir with Liam Dawson.
As the Test heads into Day 3, the match remains intriguingly balanced. England will aim to seize a first-innings lead, while India will look for early wickets to reclaim control.
