England Dominate Old Trafford as Duckett–Crawley Partnership and Stokes Heroics Turn the Tide
Ben Duckett and Zak Crawley put up a 166-run stand while Ben Stokes took five wickets as England took firm control of the fourth Test against India at Old Trafford.
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Under overcast skies and the looming pressure of a finely balanced Test series, England surged ahead at Old Trafford on Day 2 of the fourth Test against India. A breathtaking 166-run opening partnership between Ben Duckett and Zak Crawley laid the foundation, while captain Ben Stokes' exceptional five-wicket haul earlier in the day helped bowl India out for 317. By stumps, England stood firm at 225 for 2, establishing a strong grip on the match.
The Duckett–Crawley Masterclass: Controlled Aggression and Technique
When Ben Duckett and Zak Crawley walked out to bat, India had hoped for early breakthroughs. Instead, the English openers offered a spectacle of modern Test match batting — brisk without being reckless, aggressive without surrendering technique.
Duckett, in particular, was composed from the outset. Scoring 94 off 126 balls, he played with fluency through the off side and deftly handled both pace and spin. His shot selection was immaculate, frequently guiding the ball through gaps with calculated precision. The left-hander missed out on a century, falling just six short while attempting a risky drive off Ravindra Jadeja that ballooned to slip.
Zak Crawley, too, complemented his partner with a confident 84 off 140 deliveries. His innings featured a mix of solid front-foot drives and well-timed pulls, especially against Mohammed Siraj and Shardul Thakur. Crawley was eventually bowled by a Jasprit Bumrah in-cutter, but not before placing England in a commanding position.
Strategic Brilliance from Stokes: A Captain’s Innings with the Ball
Before England’s batters took center stage, the morning belonged to Ben Stokes, whose five-wicket haul changed the complexion of India’s innings. Stokes, known more for his batting prowess, reminded the cricketing world of his value as a complete all-rounder.
After India resumed on 276 for 6, Stokes led from the front. His controlled seam-up bowling on a helpful surface yielded key wickets, including the crucial scalps of Ravindra Jadeja and Jasprit Bumrah. His figures — 5 for 67 in 22 overs — marked his second five-wicket haul at Old Trafford and underscored his enduring relevance to the English side.
England’s bowling strategy, which rotated between patience and precision, paid off in the morning session. They kept a tight lid on scoring, forcing mistakes from India’s tail and wrapping up the innings with minimal damage.
Setting the Tone: England’s Aggressive Yet Measured Response
With a deficit of 317, England’s openers knew a strong start was critical. Duckett and Crawley not only neutralized the Indian bowlers but also quickly swung the momentum England’s way. Scoring at nearly four runs an over, they added 166 in just 39 overs — a statement of intent from a team that knew the importance of dominating early.
Their approach wasn’t limited to boundaries. They ran hard between the wickets and rotated strike efficiently, denying bowlers any rhythm. The Indian bowling unit, despite some probing spells from Bumrah and Siraj, found little assistance from the pitch and struggled to apply consistent pressure.
India Left Searching for Answers
For India, Day 2 was a wake-up call. Despite a competitive total on the board, their inability to contain England’s openers exposed the limitations of their bowling on flatter tracks. Ravindra Jadeja looked the most threatening of the lot, generating some turn and bounce, but even he struggled to sustain pressure for long spells.
Jasprit Bumrah was sharp in bursts, extracting occasional reverse swing, while Siraj remained largely ineffective during his first two spells. The support cast — Shardul Thakur and Kuldeep Yadav — failed to make any real dent. India’s bowlers will need to regroup quickly and rethink their line of attack if they hope to claw back into the contest on Day 3.
Shifting Momentum in a Pivotal Test
With the five-match series tied 1-1 and one game ending in a draw, the fourth Test at Old Trafford holds crucial weight. England’s intent to seize the upper hand was clear from their performance on Day 2. The Duckett–Crawley stand sent a message — not just to India, but to the world — that England remains a formidable force at home.
Ben Stokes’ leadership has been instrumental in that transformation. His decisions — both on the field and off it — reflect a team with clarity of purpose and tactical flexibility. Choosing to take the new ball late, shuffling bowling changes smartly, and keeping field placements dynamic — all contributed to England’s successful day.
What to Expect on Day 3
With eight wickets in hand and just 92 runs behind India’s total, England are in a commanding position. Joe Root and Ollie Pope are at the crease, both in good form and capable of building a big partnership. If England can bat through the first two sessions on Day 3 without losing more than a couple of wickets, they will likely post a formidable lead, pushing India on the back foot.
For India, early breakthroughs will be vital. The first hour of play on Day 3 could define the outcome of this Test. A fiery spell from Bumrah or a tactical tweak from Rohit Sharma might be the spark India needs to shift momentum.
Fan and Expert Reactions
Cricket enthusiasts took to social media to praise the Duckett–Crawley partnership. Former England opener Alastair Cook, speaking to BBC Sport, said, “This was one of the finest opening partnerships I’ve seen from England in the last decade. Controlled aggression at its best.”
On the Indian side, Sunil Gavaskar voiced concern during a television broadcast, stating, “India missed a trick by not attacking more early on. The bowling lacked bite, and it allowed England to dictate terms. Day 3 must bring a tactical shift.”
The Historical Context: Old Trafford and English Openers
Historically, English openers have struggled against India in recent years. The last major century opening stand between English openers against India at Old Trafford dates back to 2002. Duckett and Crawley’s partnership not only broke a long-standing drought but also placed them among the top opening pairs in recent English Test history.
Old Trafford itself has been a fortress for England — a ground where pace, bounce, and atmospheric conditions often come together in their favor. Their performance on Day 2 further reinforced the venue's reputation as a happy hunting ground.
Looking Ahead: Series Implications
Should England convert this strong position into a lead and possibly a win, they would head into the final Test with a 2-1 advantage. It would also significantly boost their standings in the World Test Championship rankings. For India, avoiding defeat in this Test is essential not just for the series, but to maintain their place in the top tier of the WTC table.
With both teams possessing capable batting line-ups and aggressive bowling attacks, the remaining days at Old Trafford promise riveting cricket.
Conclusion
England’s performance on Day 2 of the fourth Test at Old Trafford was a masterclass in intent, execution, and resilience. From Ben Stokes’ five-wicket haul to the Duckett–Crawley fireworks at the top, it was a day that might well shape the outcome of the entire series.
India now find themselves on the defensive, in desperate need of early wickets and a fresh strategy. For England, the objective is clear: build a substantial lead and put the game out of India’s reach. If Day 2 was any indication, England are not just in control — they’re charging toward dominance.
