Day 2 of the Manchester Check belonged completely to England as they dominated India each with the ball and the bat. After Ben Stokes ripped by means of India’s center and decrease order with a commanding five-wicket haul to limit the guests to 358, England’s opening pair, Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett, launched a brutal counterattack. Their century-plus stand dismantled an uninspired Indian bowling unit and tilted the momentum firmly within the hosts’ favor by stumps, with England reaching 220/2 at a brisk charge of 4.90 runs per over, trailing by simply 138 runs.
Ben Stokes turns tide with 5-wicket haul after gritty batting show by Rishabh Pant
India resumed Day 2 on 264/4 with promise however collapsed below strain as captain Stokes produced a searing spell to take 5 for 72, dismantling their lower-middle order. Rishabh Pant, who bravely resumed his innings after retiring damage, fought onerous for his 54, whereas Washington Sundar and Shardul Thakur tried to regular the innings briefly. Archer’s tempo introduced key breakthroughs, together with Pant and Jadeja, whereas Stokes cleaned up the tail with sharp self-discipline and bounce. From 314/5, India misplaced their closing 5 wickets for simply 44 runs, folding for 358 in 114.1 overs. Although a aggressive whole, the guests would have hoped for extra after a strong platform. The English bowling assault was medical, with Archer ending with 3 wickets and Woakes chipping in with one, however it was Stokes’ management and management that modified the complexion of the sport.
Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett onslaught flattens India as England cruise in reply
In reply, England got here out with clear intent, launching a calculated and aggressive assault on India’s new-ball bowlers. Crawley was fluent by means of the off-side and scored a well-constructed 84 earlier than falling to Ravindra Jadeja, whereas Duckett was ruthless, racing to 94 off simply 100 balls earlier than holing out to debutant Anshul Kamboj. Their 166-run opening stand got here in simply over 30 overs, placing India on the again foot. The bowling from India lacked each sharpness and self-discipline, Siraj was costly, Bumrah unusually toothless, and Thakur supplied no menace. Even Jadeja, who picked up a wicket, didn’t stem the move of runs. Kamboj’s maiden Check wicket got here as some reduction, however it did little to sluggish England’s momentum. With Ollie Pope and Joe Root settling in, England appeared poised for an enormous first-innings lead, ending the day at 225/2 in simply 46 overs. India now face the problem of regaining management in a match that’s slipping quickly from their grasp.
Additionally READ: ENG vs IND: Sachin Tendulkar salutes Rishabh Pant’s warrior knock for India amid toe fracture on Day 2 of Manchester Test
Right here’s how followers reacted:
England nicely on the way in which to 500 plus … #ENGvIND
— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) July 24, 2025
Has been the bowler of the sequence to date for England.
How a lot have England missed his bowling during the last couple of years attributable to damage.
Has been in strong rhythm all by means of the sequence. Properly completed Ben stokes🔥🔥 #INDvsENG
— Ashwin 🇮🇳 (@ashwinravi99) July 24, 2025
Duckett will get out lots within the 90s does not he . High knock little fella 👏 #ENGvIND
— Tony Steele (@tds122) July 24, 2025
I’m no technical professional, however Duckett is a bit bit like Travis Head — give both of them width and so they’ll punish you. The plan (for RAPs) to each is pretty comparable too: deny width and look to straighten one from across the wicket.
— Sparsh Telang (@_cricketsparsh) July 24, 2025
that is ridiculous crawley and duckett after that 1st check 2nd inn had been constantly failing on good batting tracks and now they each have gotten fast fifties on an honest balanced pitch with overcast circumstances 😭😭
— И🫧 | aneet padda’s gf (@lbdablu) July 24, 2025
Ben Duckett & Zak Crawley would possibly simply be probably the most entertaining opening duo to look at bat. I imply simply have a look at their heights bro-
— 🪐 (@stopitzulff) July 24, 2025
I do know he’s a bit flaky however there’s nothing higher than a Zak Crawley spotlight package deal when he will get a rating
— Scott Button (@Scott_Button12) July 24, 2025
Loopy how a number of years in the past folks thought Ben Stokes’ profession as a bowler was over and now he hasn’t scored 100 for the reason that Center Ages and has became prime Dale Steyn
— No Context County Cricket (@NoContextCounty) July 24, 2025
Most likely second time since that Brook-Jamie stand that India have appeared as listless.
Proper by means of the sequence, India have discovered a approach, have they got anybody who can discover it for them?
— Nikhil 🏏 (@CricCrazyNIKS) July 24, 2025
🚨 STUMPS DAY 2 – 𝐄𝐍𝐆𝐋𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐎𝐍 𝐓𝐎𝐏!
A strong batting effort from the hosts as they end strongly on Day 2.
England: 225/2. They now path India by simply 133 runs with 8 wickets in hand.
Scorecard: https://t.co/GjqtuT0NU9 #ENGvIND #INDvsENG #TestCricket… pic.twitter.com/cntFxRbMvR
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) July 24, 2025
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