India’s Bowling Struggles Hand England a Strong Position at Stumps in 4th Test
England took a commanding lead on Day 2 of the fourth Test against India at Old Trafford, finishing the day at 225 for two. The innings was bolstered by impressive performances from Ben Duckett, who scored 94, and Zak Crawley, who contributed 84. Earlier, India had set a total of 358 in their first innings, with Rishabh Pant notably scoring 54 despite playing with a broken foot.
England’s opening partnership of 166 runs was pivotal in their innings, as Duckett and Crawley effectively countered India’s bowling attack. The Indian pace trio struggled with accuracy, allowing the England batsmen to capitalize on loose deliveries. Duckett’s aggressive batting style particularly stood out, as he and Crawley maintained a scoring rate of nearly five runs per over.
### England’s Dominance with the Bat
The day began with India resuming their innings at 264 for four. England’s bowlers, led by Ben Stokes, quickly made inroads, with Stokes achieving his first five-wicket haul in eight years. Jofra Archer struck early, dismissing Ravindra Jadeja for 20 with a delivery that caught the edge, leading to a catch by Harry Brook. Shardul Thakur attempted to counterattack with a quick 41 runs, but Stokes eventually dismissed him, further solidifying England’s grip on the match.
Duckett and Crawley’s partnership was crucial, as they effectively neutralized India’s bowling threats. The Indian pacers, including Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, and debutant Anshul Kamboj, struggled to find their rhythm. Kamboj did manage to take Duckett’s wicket, but by then, the damage had been done, and England was well on its way to a substantial lead.
### Rishabh Pant’s Brave Effort
One of the most remarkable moments of the day was Rishabh Pant’s courageous innings. Despite battling a broken foot, Pant managed to score 54 runs, showcasing his determination and skill. His innings included a stunning six off Archer’s slower ball and a boundary through cover off Stokes, earning him a standing ovation from the crowd. Pant’s resilience was evident as he struggled to run between the wickets but still managed to deliver a commendable performance.
Archer eventually ended Pant’s innings with a well-executed delivery that knocked over his stumps. The respect shown by Joe Root, who patted Pant on the back as he walked off, highlighted the sportsmanship between the two teams. Pant’s effort, despite the injury, was a testament to his character and commitment to the game.
### India’s Bowling Struggles
India’s bowling attack faced challenges throughout the day, particularly under the sunny conditions that favored batting. The Indian pacers were unable to maintain consistent pressure on the England batsmen, often delivering loose balls that were easily capitalized on. Shardul Thakur’s expensive spell added to India’s woes, as England’s batsmen found it easier to score runs compared to India’s innings, which had been played in overcast conditions.
As the match progresses, India will need to regroup and find a way to break England’s strong partnership. With England in a dominant position, the pressure will be on India’s bowlers to deliver a more disciplined performance in the coming days.
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