ENG vs IND [WATCH]: Ben Duckett’s bat slip misses stumps by inches on Day 2 of Manchester Test

In a rare and nerve-jangling moment on Day 2 of the fourth Test at Old Trafford, England opener Ben Duckett narrowly avoided what could have been one of the most bizarre dismissals in modern Test cricket. The incident took place during the second over of England’s innings, with young Indian debutant Ankush Kamboj steaming in from the James Anderson End.

Ben Duckett survives close call as bat nearly hits stumps on Day 2 of Manchester Test

Sharing the new ball alongside Jasprit Bumrah, Kamboj bowled a delivery just outside off stump that tempted Duckett into a cut shot early in his innings. In an attempt to carve the ball square on the off-side, Duckett shuffled across his crease to make room, but completely mistimed his shot. Not only did he fail to connect with the ball, but the bat also slipped out of his hands mid-swing. In a split-second turn of drama, the bat flew backward and landed dangerously close to the stumps.

The entire crowd held its breath as the bat thudded to the ground, just brushing past the leg stump, missing it by inches. Had it clipped the stumps even slightly, it would have led to an extraordinary hit-wicket dismissal, sending shockwaves through the English camp. Duckett immediately turned around in shock, realizing how fortunate he was. His expression said it all, a mix of relief and disbelief. Even the Indian fielders were momentarily stunned, as was Kamboj, who looked bemused by what had just transpired in only his second over of Test cricket. The incident drew a gasp from the commentators and a murmur of amusement from the Manchester crowd, many of whom clapped in appreciation of the sheer unpredictability of the moment.

Here’s the video:

Heart-in-mouth stuff for Ben Duckett… 🫣

The England opener nearly drops his bat onto his own stumps – have you ever seen that before?! pic.twitter.com/ylcRPDciNe

— Sky Sports Cricket (@SkyCricket) July 24, 2025

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England dominate Day 2 with aggressive start after India post competitive 358

Day 2 of the Manchester Test belonged largely to England as their openers came out blazing in response to India’s first-innings total of 358. After a gritty Indian batting display, highlighted by Rishabh Pant’s courageous fifty with a fractured foot and a five-wicket haul from Ben Stokes, England’s openers Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett launched a counterattack that left India reeling. Duckett was particularly aggressive, reaching his fifty in just 46 balls and continuing to find boundaries at will. Crawley, more composed but equally effective, partnered for a mammoth 166-run opening stand before falling to Jadeja for 84. Duckett ultimately scored 94 before gifting his wicket to Kamboj by falling on a loose shot as England reached over 200. India’s bowling lacked penetration, with Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj going wicketless and unable to make any impact.

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