England closed Day 2 of the 4th Test against India in a strong position, reaching 225/2, still trailing by 133 runs at Old Trafford in Manchester.
England Takes Control After Day 2
England ended the second day of the fourth Test match against India with a commanding performance. They finished at 225 for 2 wickets, putting them firmly in contention to take a lead in the crucial encounter.
Star batsmen Ollie Pope and Joe Root were both unbeaten at the crease when stumps were called. They will look to continue their partnership and further reduce India’s lead of 133 runs as Day 3 gets underway.
Opening Stand Sets the Tone
England’s comfortable position is largely thanks to a brilliant opening partnership. Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett put on an impressive 166 runs for the first wicket, laying a solid foundation for the innings.
This explosive start put immense pressure on the Indian bowlers. Despite minimal movement from the pitch, India’s bowling attack struggled for rhythm. They often bowled too wide or too straight, offering easy scoring opportunities and boundaries to the English openers.
India’s Innings and Stokes’ Masterclass
Earlier in the match, India was bowled out for 358 in their first innings. This came after England captain Ben Stokes won the toss and elected to bowl first on a pitch that offered some early assistance.
India’s innings saw notable contributions from young openers Yashasvi Jaiswal and Sai Sudharsan, both of whom scored half-centuries. However, the true highlight of the innings belonged to England’s skipper, Ben Stokes.
Stokes delivered a sensational bowling performance, claiming a remarkable five-wicket haul. This was his first five-wicket haul in Test cricket in eight years, a masterful display that significantly restricted India’s total and set the foundation for England’s strong reply.
- England is 225/2 at stumps on Day 2, trailing India by 133 runs.
- Ollie Pope and Joe Root are currently at the crease for England.
- A 166-run opening partnership between Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett fueled England’s strong start.
- Ben Stokes took a crucial five-wicket haul for England in India’s first innings.
- India was dismissed for 358, with Jaiswal and Sudharsan scoring half-centuries.
As Day 3 commences in Manchester, all eyes will be on Pope and Root as they aim to build a significant lead and put England in a dominant position in this crucial Test match, part of the five-match series.
