England Roars Back on Day 2
In the fourth Test at Old Trafford, Manchester, England dramatically bounced back from a first-innings deficit of 133 runs, thanks to a dazzling opening stand. Ben Duckett delivered a stellar 94 alongside Zak Crawley’s 84, putting England in complete control at 225/2 by stumps .
Duckett’s innings came during a rapid 166-run partnership off 32 overs, leaving India struggling with wayward bowling and mounting pressure. He narrowly missed a century after edging Anshul Kamboj in the evening session .
Highlights: The Duckett-Crawley Opening Blitz
- Aggressive approach: Duckett welcomed new-ball bowler Kamboj with three fours in the first over, setting a fierce tone .
- Watch the warning signs: He nearly knocked his bat onto his stumps—an intense moment that highlighted both aggression and edge-of-the-seat batting.
- Bowling failure: India’s seam attack lacked discipline and consistency, allowing England to capitalize and close the deficit .
Off-field Drama: Siraj Tensions and Field Friction
Amid mounting frustration following the opening stand, Mohammed Siraj and Duckett had a heated verbal exchange during the third session—prompting an on-field umpire to step in and diffuse the situation. The incident added emotional intensity to an already high-stakes contest.
Duckett’s Journey: From County Star to Test Mainstay
- Consistent performer: As of mid-2025, Duckett amassed over 2,600 Test runs at an average of 43.68, including six centuries and 14 fifties in 34 Tests.
- Champions Trophy record: Earlier this year, Duckett scored a monumental 165 against Australia, the highest individual score at that stage of the ICC Champions Trophy .
- Top-tier opening partner: Together with Crawley, Duckett has been central to England’s aggressive opening strategy under Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum’s Bazball philosophy.
What’s at Stake Ahead: Momentum and Milestones
| Match Progress | Details |
|---|---|
| Series lead | England lead 2–1 in the five-Test series and need one more win to seal the deal . |
| Duckett’s milestone | With 94 runs to his name on Day 2, Duckett remains a pivotal force at the top. |
| Root in sight | Joe Root sits just 20 runs shy of surpassing several legends in career Test run charts . |
Final Word: Duckett Delivers When It Matters Most
Ben Duckett’s commanding 94-run innings under pressure reaffirms his value as England’s aggressive anchor. Combined with Crawley’s 84, the opening duo rewrote day two’s narrative, setting up a dominant position as England chase a crucial series lead.
Amid mounting intensity on and off the field, Duckett emerges not just as a batsman with flair—but as a leader shaping the course of a high-stakes Test.
FOR MORE BLOGS – beyondthepunchlines.com
Author: Team BTP
Add to favorites
