Old Trafford, Manchester:
On Day 2 of the Fourth Test in the Anderson‑Tendulkar Trophy at Old Trafford, England seized control and now look poised to seal the series. After India’s first-innings total of 358, the host side closed the day at 225 for 2, trailing by just 133 runs, with plenty of batting in hand.
England’s Dominant Reply:
England’s aggressive reply was anchored by a ferocious 166‑run opening partnership between Ben Duckett (94) and Zak Crawley (84), taken in just 32 overs. Duckett narrowly missed his century, falling six runs short. The pair punished India’s unreliable seam bowling from the outset, capitalizing on overcast conditions that rapidly transitioned to sunny, buoying their momentum.
India’s First Innings & Pant Heroics:
India earlier posted 358, buoyed by a heroic effort from Rishabh Pant, who scored 54 off 75 balls despite retiring hurt previously after smashing a reverse-scoop. Pant returned to bat while hobbling due to a fractured toe and received a standing ovation as he strode out. However, he was eventually cleaned up by Jofra Archer. Ben Stokes had a standout day with the ball, grabbing a five-wicket haul (5 for 72), the first in Tests since 2017. His discipline and consistency dismantled India’s lower order, removing key batters including Washington Sundar and debutant Anshul Kamboj. Jofra Archer also chipped in with crucial breakthroughs.
Ravi Shastri said “Before this Test, I asked Rishabh Pant, ‘How’s your finger? It’s not broken, right?’ He replied, Even if it were broken, I would still play – Rishabh is pure team man, he wants to play Test Cricket & he wants to play for the country”.
– RESPECT FOR PANT 🥹❤️ pic.twitter.com/Wuh3XUvtjZ
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) July 25, 2025
Indian Bowling Under Pressure:
India’s bowling attack struggled to find consistency. Mohammed Siraj went wicketless, conceding 58 runs in 10 overs, and even engaged in a heated verbal exchange with Ben Duckett, prompting the umpire’s intervention. Anshul Kamboj, debuting for India, managed to dismiss Duckett but bowled erratically otherwise. Shardul Thakur indicated that bowling changes were purely the captain’s call, underscoring tactical concerns under skipper Shubman Gill’s leadership.
Also Read: Brave Rishabh Pant Defies Fracture To Return At Old Trafford!
India’s Road to a Comeback:
With England in a commanding position at 225/2 and just 133 runs behind, India will need a near-flawless strategy from Day 3 onward to stage a comeback. Here’s what they must focus on:
1. Early Morning Wickets Crucial
-
The first hour of Day 3 is critical. India must strike early to break England’s momentum.
-
Mohammed Siraj and Shardul Thakur need to tighten their lines and avoid over-pitching.
-
A disciplined start could bring the match back into balance particularly if Joe Root or Harry Brook fall cheaply.
2. Short Ball Plan with Precision
-
England’s top order has shown aggression, but they’ve also been susceptible to well-directed short-pitched bowling.
-
Bowlers must avoid predictable lengths mixing up bouncers with slower cutters and back-of-a-length deliveries could draw false strokes.
-
Anshul Kamboj must bowl in shorter, controlled spells to maintain pressure without leaking runs.
3. Ravindra Jadeja Needs to Step Up
-
On a surface that may start offering grip from Day 3 onwards, Jadeja’s left-arm spin could be key.
-
Using the rough patches outside the right-hander’s off-stump, especially to Root, will be crucial in containing runs and forcing mistakes.
4. Field Placements and Captaincy Adjustments
-
Shubman Gill must adopt more attacking fields, particularly during the first session slips and short legs must be in play.
-
Rotate bowlers frequently, and bring in part-time options like Sai Sudarshan to break partnerships or disrupt rhythm.
5. Mental Toughness and Body Language
-
The Indian team looked flat on Day 2. Players must show intent, energy, and urgency in the field.
-
Vocal encouragement, quick fielding, and smarter DRS usage will go a long way.
