• Day 2 of the Manchester Test belonged thoroughly to England as they dominated India both with the ball and the bat.

  • After Ben Stokes ripped through India's middle and lower order with a fifer, Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett, launched a brutal counterattack.

ENG vs IND: Fans react as Ben Duckett & Zak Crawley crush India’s attack after Ben Stokes’ five-wicket haul stuns Shubman Gill and Co | Day 2, Manchester Test
ENG vs IND (Image Source: X)

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Day 2 of the Manchester Test belonged thoroughly to England as they dominated India both with the ball and the bat. After Ben Stokes ripped through India’s middle and lower order with a commanding five-wicket haul to restrict the visitors 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 in the hosts’ favor by stumps, with England reaching 220/2 at a brisk rate of 4.90 runs per over, trailing by just 138 runs.

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

India resumed Day 2 on 264/4 with promise but collapsed under pressure 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 hurt, fought hard for his 54, while Washington Sundar and Shardul Thakur tried to steady the innings briefly. Archer’s pace brought key breakthroughs, including Pant and Jadeja, while Stokes cleaned up the tail with sharp discipline and bounce. From 314/5, India lost their final five wickets for just 44 runs, folding for 358 in 114.1 overs. Though a competitive total, the visitors would have hoped for more after a solid platform. The English bowling attack was clinical, with Archer finishing with 3 wickets and Woakes chipping in with one, but it was Stokes’ leadership and control that changed the complexion of the game.

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

In reply, England came out with clear intent, launching a calculated and aggressive assault on India’s new-ball bowlers. Crawley was fluent through the off-side and scored a well-constructed 84 before falling to Ravindra Jadeja, while Duckett was ruthless, racing to 94 off just 100 balls before holing out to debutant Anshul Kamboj. Their 166-run opening stand came in just over 30 overs, putting India on the back foot. The bowling from India lacked both sharpness and discipline, Siraj was expensive, Bumrah unusually toothless, and Thakur offered no threat. Even Jadeja, who picked up a wicket, failed to stem the flow of runs. Kamboj’s maiden Test wicket came as some relief, but it did little to slow England’s momentum. With Ollie Pope and Joe Root settling in, England looked poised for a big first-innings lead, ending the day at 225/2 in just 46 overs. India now face the challenge of regaining control in a match that is slipping rapidly from their grasp.

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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