IND vs ENG: Ben Stokes' fifer and openers' fifites help England close Day 2 on top, India eye comeback In Manchester Test

England openers Ben Duckett and Zak Crawley provided a strong response after bowling out Shubman Gill-led India for 358 in the second session of Day 2 of the fourth Test at Old Trafford, Manchester. The duo put together a solid 166-run partnership for the second wicket, keeping the Indian bowlers at bay for much of the session. However, India finally broke through when Ravindra Jadeja dismissed Crawley for 84, followed shortly by debutant Anshul Kamboj removing Duckett, who fell just six runs short of a well-deserved century. England ended their day scoring 225 runs and are currently trailing by 133 runs.

Earlier in the day, it was Rishabh Pant’s brave half-century that was the highlight of the day. Battling a fractured toe, Pant came out to bat in pain but showed immense courage and class to score 54 off 75 balls, helping India push past the 350 mark.

India started their day at 264 for 4, but Ravindra Jadeja fell early to a brilliant delivery from Jofra Archer, caught in the slips for 20. The overcast conditions made batting tricky, but Shardul Thakur (41) and Washington Sundar (27) stitched together a handy partnership before falling to Ben Stokes, who had one of his best days with the ball, taking 5 for 72, his first five-wicket haul in eight years.

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Pant came out after Shardul Thakur's dismissal and he was seen limping in discomfort but still smashed Archer for a six and drove Stokes through covers for a boundary to bring up a special fifty. Even after he was bowled by Archer, his courageous innings earned him applause from both teams, including a pat on the back from Joe Root.

Under clear skies, unlike the overcast weather India faced, Duckett and Crawley took full advantage of a loose Indian pace attack. The trio of Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, and debutant Anshul Kamboj struggled with their line, often bowling on the pads, and England’s openers didn’t waste those chances.

Kamboj, who had a tough start to his debut, finally gave India a breakthrough by getting Duckett caught behind just six runs short of a century. Ollie Pope (20)* and Joe Root (11)* remained unbeaten at stumps, with England still trailing by 133 runs but clearly in control.

India’s bowlers had an ordinary outing, with Shardul Thakur leaking runs and the pace attack failing to maintain pressure. The day ended with light rain and early stumps, giving India a lot to think about heading into Day 3.

Despite England’s strong showing, Rishabh Pant’s gutsy effort was the emotional highlight of the day, a reminder of the fight and spirit that makes Test cricket so special.