Shardul Thakur Defers Bowling Decisions to Shubman Gill Ahead of IND vs ENG 4th Test
On Day 2 of the fourth Test at Old Trafford, Rishabh Pant’s courageous return from injury became the highlight of the match. Despite battling a fractured toe, Pant scored a resilient 54 runs, contributing significantly to India’s total of 358. His performance came after the early dismissal of Ravindra Jadeja, and it was complemented by Shardul Thakur’s 41 runs. England’s response was strong, with openers Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett forming a formidable partnership, leaving India trailing by 133 runs at the end of the day.
## Rishabh Pant’s Gutsy Performance
Rishabh Pant’s return to the crease was a moment of inspiration for the Indian team and fans alike. After sustaining a fractured toe on Day 1, Pant faced the challenge head-on, stepping in after Shardul Thakur’s dismissal. The Manchester crowd welcomed him with a rousing ovation, and he did not disappoint. Scoring 54 runs off 75 balls, Pant showcased his fighting spirit, helping India to a respectable total. Shardul Thakur praised Pant’s determination, noting that the medical team had done an excellent job to enable his participation despite the pain. Pant’s innings was crucial, especially after India lost Jadeja early in the day.
## England’s Strong Reply
England’s response to India’s total was marked by a dominant opening partnership between Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett. The duo put together a remarkable 166-run stand in just 32.4 overs, putting India on the back foot. Crawley scored 84 runs before being dismissed by Jadeja, while Duckett fell just short of a century, finishing with 94 runs. Anshul Kamboj claimed Duckett’s wicket, marking his first Test wicket. The English batsmen capitalized on the Indian bowlers’ struggles, and despite a few breakthroughs, they ended the day at 225 for two, firmly in control of the match.
## Indian Bowlers’ Challenges
The Indian bowlers faced a tough challenge against the English batting lineup. Shardul Thakur, who bowled five overs for 35 runs, acknowledged that the bowlers needed to be more patient and strategic with their deliveries. He emphasized that bowling decisions were ultimately the captain’s responsibility. Thakur expressed confidence in the team’s ability to regroup and improve their performance with the new ball. As the day concluded, India found themselves in a precarious position, trailing by 133 runs, with Ollie Pope and Joe Root at the crease, both unbeaten. The Indian team will need to regroup and strategize effectively as they head into Day 3 of this crucial Test match.
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