New Delhi: Ben Duckett and Zak Crawley ensured England went into Tea without any loss after Ben Stokes-led hosts bowled India out for 358 on Day 2 of the fourth Test at Old Trafford, Manchester. Not only did England lose a wicket, but they chalked off 77 runs from India’s total in no time, scoring at a brisk rate to nullify the threat of Jasprit Bumrah-led Indian pace attack.
Duckett, in particular, looked in a punishing mood, hitting seven boundaries in his 43-ball 41-run knock. Slow to start, Crawley caught up with his partner thanks to a flurry of boundaries on the stroke of Tea and remained unbeaten on 33 off 44 deliveries.
No joy for Indian bowlers
Indian bowlers didn’t pose much threat with the new ball and allowed the England batters to score freely. Even Jasprit Bumrah failed to work his magic and looked out of sorts. Debutant Anshul Kamboj recieved a harsh welcome to international cricket with a barrage of boundaries from left-handed Duckett, who peppered the leg side boundary, hitting six out of seven fours in the square leg and mid-wicket region.
Inconsistent with his line and lengths, Mohammed Siraj was punished by Crawley and conceded 26 runs in his four overs.
It was the second 50-plus opening stand for England this series after their 188-run stand in 4th innings of the first Test at Leeds.
Earlier, Ben Stokes picked up his first five-wicket haul in eight years, and England ran through the Indian lower-order. Rishabh Pant walking out to bat with a fractured toe and completing his half-century was the highlight of the first two sessions. Pant, who was injured on Day 1, defied pain and played a courageous knock of 54 to help India cross the 350-run mark.
Shardul Thakur (41) and Washington Sundar (27) also made useful contributions in the lower-middle order. Sai Sudharsan was the top scorer with 61, while Yashasvi Jaiswal scored 58 at the top of the order.