Ben Duckett (94 off 100) and Zak Crawley (84 off 113) powered England to a commanding 225/2 by stumps on Day 2, cutting into India’s first-innings total of 358 with a dominant 166-run opening stand.
The Indian pace trio of Bumrah, Siraj, and debutant Anshul Kamboj struggled for accuracy, offering too many freebies. England’s openers capitalized, scoring at nearly 5 runs per over on a sunlit Manchester pitch, while India had batted under overcast skies.
Kamboj, a late addition to India’s injury-hit squad, had a rough debut but finally dismissed Duckett with a surprise bouncer. Shardul Thakur was also expensive, capping a forgettable day for India’s seamers.
Earlier, Rishabh Pant (54 off 75) walked out with a fractured foot, scoring a courageous half-century that lifted India past 350. He smashed a six off Archer and a trademark cover drive off Stokes, earning a standing ovation before being bowled by Archer. Even Joe Root applauded the gritty knock.
Ben Stokes led the England bowling attack, claiming 5/72 — his first five-wicket haul in eight years. He dismissed Shardul (41) and Kamboj in a sharp morning session.
India resumed on 264/4, but overcast conditions and fiery spells from Archer and Stokes tested the batters. Ravindra Jadeja (20) fell early to a superb delivery from Archer. Shardul showed fight but eventually edged to gully off Stokes.
India’s innings ended at 358 in 114.1 overs, before England’s top order counterattacked with flair.
Day 2 Summary
📌 India 1st Innings: 358 all out (Sudharsan 61, Jaiswal 58, Pant 54; Stokes 5/72)
📌 England 1st Innings: 225/2 in 46 overs (Duckett 94, Crawley 84*)
