ENG vs IND: Duckett & Crawley Dominate After Stokes’ Fifer

  • July 24, 2025

The second day of the Manchester Test completely favored England, who showcased dominance over India in both bowling and batting departments. Following Ben Stokes’ impactful five-wicket performance that curtailed India’s middle and lower order, limiting the visitors to 358 runs, England’s opening batsmen, Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett, initiated a forceful response. Their partnership surpassing a hundred runs destabilized the Indian bowling attack, shifting the day’s balance in favor of the home side as England closed at 220/2, achieving a swift scoring rate of 4.90 runs per over, thereby reducing the deficit to 138 runs.

Ben Stokes turns tide with 5-wicket haul after gritty batting display by Rishabh Pant

India began Day 2 at 264/4 with aspirations but faltered under pressure as captain Stokes delivered a compelling spell, claiming 5 wickets for 72 runs and dismantling their lower-middle order. Rishabh Pant, resuming his innings with determination after a previous injury, contributed a resilient 54, while Washington Sundar and Shardul Thakur briefly provided stability. Archer’s rapid deliveries led to crucial dismissals, including those of Pant and Jadeja, whereas Stokes wrapped up the innings with precise control and bounce. After reaching 314/5, India lost their remaining five wickets for a mere 44 runs, concluding at 358 in 114.1 overs. Despite posting a decent total, the visiting team likely aimed for a more substantial score after establishing a strong foundation. The English bowling unit performed effectively, with Archer securing 3 wickets and Woakes adding another, but Stokes’ command and strategy proved pivotal in altering the game’s dynamics.

Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett onslaught flattens India as England cruise in reply

In response, England displayed clear intentions, launching a calculated and aggressive counter-attack against India’s opening bowlers. Crawley demonstrated fluidity on the off-side, achieving a composed 84 before being dismissed by Ravindra Jadeja, while Duckett played aggressively, reaching 94 off just 100 deliveries before being caught by debutant Anshul Kamboj. Their opening partnership of 166 runs, achieved in just over 30 overs, put India on the defensive. The Indian bowlers lacked sharpness and accuracy, with Siraj conceding runs quickly, Bumrah appearing unusually ineffective, and Thakur failing to pose any significant challenge. Even Jadeja, who claimed a wicket, could not halt the flow of runs. Kamboj’s first Test wicket offered some respite, but it scarcely diminished England’s tempo. With Ollie Pope and Joe Root establishing themselves, England appeared set for a significant first-innings advantage, concluding the day at 225/2 in just 46 overs. India now faces the task of reclaiming control in a contest that is rapidly slipping away.

Also READ: ENG vs IND: Sachin Tendulkar salutes Rishabh Pant’s warrior knock for India amid toe fracture on Day 2 of Manchester Test

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