England firmly took control of the fourth Test match as Stokes, Duckett and Crawley combine to give England Day 2 honours, delivering a masterclass in momentum shifting cricket. The Old Trafford pitch, traditionally favouring bowlers on Day 2, saw England’s top and middle-order dictate terms with fearless batting and calculated aggression.
Earlier in the day, India resumed their innings under overcast skies, hoping to add some valuable runs to their overnight total. However, disciplined bowling by England, especially from Chris Woakes and Mark Wood, ensured that the visitors folded for a modest total. With the pitch showing variable bounce, it was expected that England’s top order would be tested. But what followed was a batting display that turned the tide in the hosts’ favour.
Stokes, Duckett and Crawley combine to give England Day 2 honours, not just through the sheer volume of runs but by the way they absorbed pressure and launched counterattacks. Zak Crawley, known for his flamboyant strokeplay, began confidently. He took on India’s new-ball bowlers and neutralised their early threat with crisp drives and authoritative pulls. His half-century set the tone and provided England with a platform.
At the other end, Ben Duckett was equally assertive. He ensured that no bowler settled into rhythm, rotating the strike smartly and capitalising on every loose delivery. The Crawley-Duckett partnership flourished beyond 100 runs, and it was clear that England intended to seize the initiative early. As the pair kept piling on the runs, Indian fielders began to look increasingly frustrated.
India briefly found a breakthrough after lunch, with Jadeja removing Crawley with a beauty that spun sharply past his bat. But that joy was short-lived, as Stokes, Duckett and Crawley combine to give England Day 2 honours with Ben Stokes taking charge after Crawley’s dismissal.
Captain Ben Stokes walked in with calm authority. Having missed previous matches due to fitness issues, his return was under close watch. But any doubts were erased as he effortlessly combined caution with aggression. With Duckett well-set at the other end, Stokes was free to anchor the innings and punish any wayward bowling. His calculated approach added stability and ensured the scoreboard kept ticking.
What made the day stand out was not just individual brilliance but how Stokes, Duckett and Crawley combine to give England Day 2 honours as a collective unit. Each of them played their specific roles: Crawley the aggressor, Duckett the rotator, and Stokes the stabiliser. Their combined impact ensured that England ended the day in a position of dominance.
Duckett eventually fell for a well-compiled 87, but by then the damage had been done. The Indian bowlers, who had shown promise earlier in the series, were made to toil on a wicket that was becoming increasingly placid. The English batters expertly handled both pace and spin, forcing Rohit Sharma to try multiple bowling changes without success.
Even after Duckett’s dismissal, Stokes continued unfazed, inching towards a fifty with patience and grit. Jonny Bairstow provided some late-day fireworks, further extending England’s lead. By stumps, England had crossed 300, with a healthy lead and several wickets in hand.
It was a day that belonged to England in every sense. The crowd at Old Trafford, which had braved the rain interruptions, was treated to vintage English batting. The way Stokes, Duckett and Crawley combine to give England Day 2 honours will be remembered as a defining passage of this Test match.
On the Indian front, the lack of penetration with the ball and some missed chances in the field contributed to their woes. Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja were unable to extract enough bite from the surface, while the seamers looked tired under the relentless attack. India’s strategies will need a significant rethink if they are to claw their way back into this contest.
Looking ahead to Day 3, England will aim to bat India out of the game. With Stokes still unbeaten and the lower order capable of quick runs, a mammoth lead seems inevitable. The psychological edge clearly lies with the hosts, and unless India produce something extraordinary, this Test match could well swing entirely in England’s favour.
To summarise, Stokes, Duckett and Crawley combine to give England Day 2 honours not only through runs but by applying relentless pressure on India, showcasing the depth and confidence of this English side. Their display has tilted the balance of the match and possibly, the series.
