Report: India vs England Test, Day 2 – Old Trafford
India’s first innings: 358 all out
India resumed their first innings at 321/6 at lunch, thanks to a courageous return by Rishabh Pant, who had retired hurt on Day 1. Pant, visibly limping from a fractured toe, bravely walked back to the crease under painkillers and mustered a gritty 54 before being bowled by Jofra Archer. His cameo included an aggressive six off Archer and earned respect from legends like Sachin Tendulkar, who praised him for “playing through pain” and showcasing true grit.
Unfortunately, Pant couldn’t keep wickets due to his injury, with Dhruv Jurel deputising behind the stumps. Pant’s return to bat—less than 24 hours after injury—was widely hailed as heroic by fans and experts alike.
Ben Stokes, England’s captain, turned the tide with a brilliant spell of 5/72, his first five‑wicket haul in eight years. Stokes dismantled India’s lower order with discipline and control, while Jofra Archer chipped in with 3 wickets, including Pant’s dismissal.
Despite some lower‑order resistance—Sai Sudharsan (61) and Yashasvi Jaiswal (58) contributing useful runs—India couldn’t reach the 400‑mark, eventually folding for 358.
England’s response: Duckett and Crawley dominate
In reply, England answered emphatically, ending Day 2 at 225/2—only 133 runs behind India’s total—with a commanding opening partnership of 166 runs between Ben Duckett (94) and Zak Crawley (84). Both narrowly missed centuries, but their fluent strokeplay punished India’s inconsistent new‑ball attack, effectively seizing control.
Duckett, playing with positive intent throughout, fell agonizingly close to a ton when dismissed by debutant Anshul Kamboj. Shortly after, Crawley was cleaned up by Ravindra Jadeja, ending a dazzling partnership that shifted momentum firmly to England.
By stumps, Joe Root (11)* and Ollie Pope (20)* had negotiated the closing overs sturdily, ensuring England closed in a strong position with still plenty of wickets in hand.
Tactical analysis & expert views
Cricket pundits and former players, including Ricky Ponting, voiced criticism of India’s approach on Day 2. Ponting opined that India were “tactically off,” citing misjudged field settings and ineffective bowling plans that allowed England to settle early and build the platform. One ex‑England captain went further, arguing that India essentially “handed Pant’s runs back to England” through tactical errors, despite his heroic effort at the crease.
With India’s bowling erratic and unpredictable, England capitalized on early movement and gradually built authority. The lack of cutting edge in India’s seam and spin support was particularly notable in the bulk of the England stand.
Turning points of the day
| Moment | Significance |
|---|---|
| Pant’s return & fifty | Gave India first‑innings momentum and morale boost despite broken toe |
| Stokes 5‑fer | Broke lower order resistance and prevented India from setting bigger total |
| Duckett‑Crawley stand | Shifted pressure immediately back on India; reduced follow‑on threat |
| India’s tactical errors | Criticised by experts and former captains as key reason for England’s dominance |
What lies ahead: Day 3 preview
India will face an uphill battle on Day 3. Their bowlers must strike early to avenge the Duckett‑Crawley damage, ideally removing the openers cheaply to regain control. With the pitch likely to favour seamers in the morning, early breakthroughs are crucial.
On the flip side, England can look to bat deeper, aiming to either take a slender lead or set India a tough target. With the likes of Root, Pope, Brook and others still unused, a match‑defining middle order innings is certainly possible.
India, meanwhile, will desperately hope Pant can at least bat again. His presence adds depth—and fearlessness—but his injury necessitated Dhruv Jurel taking gloves. If Pant is ruled out for further duties, India’s balance may be affected.
Summary & significance
Day 2 at Old Trafford proved to be a thrilling showcase of resilience, heroics, and tactical warfare. While Pant’s courageous fifty remains the emotional highlight, England’s dominant batting reply, built on Duckett and Crawley’s 166-run stand, took centre stage. With India defending a slender lead, Day 3 promises to be a pivotal turning point in the match—and possibly the series.
