On Day 2 of the India vs England 4th Test at Old Trafford, Rishabh Pant didn’t just bat; he waged war. Against England’s relentless attack, against a fractured foot, and against the very limits of what we thought possible.
When Pant hobbled onto the field, the Manchester crowd rose as one. The BCCI had already ruled him out of keeping, and logic suggested his batting would be limited. But Pant has never been one for logic. With every grimace, every labored step between the wickets, he stamped his name deeper into Test cricket’s legend.
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The Knock That Defied Pain
England knew where to target him. Archer and Stokes fired yorkers at his injured foot, testing his resolve. Painkillers dulled the ache, but they couldn’t dull his instinct. He refused easy singles, shielded the tail, and counterattacked with the audacity that defines him.
His fifty came off 75 balls, a mix of crisp drives, daring sweeps, and one towering six that silenced even the Barmy Army. It wasn’t just an innings; it was a statement. A reminder that some battles aren’t fought with skill alone, but with raw, unyielding heart.
The Legends Speak
Sachin Tendulkar, a man who knows a thing or two about playing through pain, called it a “powerful reminder of what it means to wear the India cap.” Stuart Broad, commentating from the sidelines, drew parallels to Anil Kumble’s iconic spell with a broken jaw in Antigua. Even Ben Stokes, England’s warrior-captain, gave Pant a nod of respect as he walked off.
Cricket has seen many brave acts, but Pant’s innings will linger not just in scorecards but in the stories we tell years from now.
India’s First Innings: A Tale of Missed Chances and Steely Resolve
India finished their first innings at 358, a competitive total, but one that could have been far bigger if not for England’s disciplined second-day surge.
The Pillars of India’s Innings
- Sai Sudharsan (61) – The young southpaw played with a calm assurance beyond his years, anchoring the innings when wickets tumbled.
- Yashasvi Jaiswal (58) – Fluent, fearless, and full of intent, Jaiswal’s knock was a masterclass in controlled aggression.
- Rishabh Pant (54) – The emotional core of the innings. Every run felt like a victory.
Yet, India’s middle order faltered. Gill’s early dismissal (12) left a void, and despite Jadeja’s gritty 34, the lower order had to scrap to push the total past 350.
Stokes Turns Back the Clock
Ben Stokes, bowling with the fire of his younger days, claimed 5/72—his first five-wicket haul in Tests since 2020. Archer (3/73) was sharp, exploiting the Old Trafford bounce, while Woakes’s miserly spells kept the pressure on.
India’s 358 was respectable, but with England’s batting firepower, the game hung in the balance.
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England’s Reply: Duckett and Crawley’s Blistering Stand
If India hoped for early wickets, they were swiftly reminded of England’s Bazball ethos. Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett came out swinging, racking up 166 in just 31 overs, a rate unheard of in traditional Test cricket.
The Openers’ Onslaught
- Ben Duckett (94) – A whirlwind of cuts, drives, and sweeps. He feasted on anything short, racing to the brink of a century before debutant Anshul Kamboj trapped him.
- Zak Crawley (84) – Elegant, imposing, and utterly dominant. His cover drives were a thing of beauty until Jadeja’s arm ball deceived him.
India’s seamers struggled for rhythm. Bumrah found movement but lacked support, while Siraj’s inconsistency was punished. Only Jadeja and Kamboj provided control, but England ended the day at 225/2—just 133 behind.
What’s Next on Day 3
With Root (11) and Pope (20) settled, England is in command. But Test cricket is a game of shifting momentum. If India strikes early on Day 3, the match could swing back in their favor.
Why This Day Will Be Remembered
1. Pant’s Legacy of Grit
It wasn’t just another fifty. It was a performance that transcended sport—a reminder that cricket, at its core, is about character.
2. England’s Relentless Approach
Bazball isn’t just a strategy; it’s a mindset. Duckett and Crawley’s attack proved that England won’t back down, no matter the situation.
3. The Test Cricket Theatre
From Pant’s pain to Stokes’ five-for, from Jaiswal’s flair to Crawley’s dominance—this was a day that had everything.
Final Thoughts: A Day That Embodied Test Cricket’s Soul
Some days, cricket gives us more than just numbers. It gives us moments that stick—Pant limping yet fighting, Stokes roaring with the ball, Duckett and Crawley rewriting the rules of engagement.
India vs England test at Old Trafford witnessed a day where courage clashed with skill, where pain was overshadowed by pride. The series is alive, the stakes are high, and if the rest of this Test is anything like Day 2, we’re in for something unforgettable.
For now, we salute the warriors. The game is richer on days like these.
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My name is Krishanu Das the founder of the Sports Dribble.
I am Accountant by profession but a Sports Blogger by passion.
I am passionate about sharing my all knowledge and experiences of sports, with my readers and every sports enthusiast.
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