England Takes Control on Day Two of the Fourth Test as Injured Pant Fights Back for India in Manchester

Sports News: The second day of the fourth Test match between India and England in Manchester turned out to be completely in England’s favor. Both with the ball and bat, the English team dominated, putting India under pressure. Despite a few brave moments from India—especially from Rishabh Pant—England ended the day on top.

India’s Batting Falters Early in the Day

India had started Day Two at a strong position with 264 runs on the board for the loss of four wickets. Ravindra Jadeja and Shardul Thakur were the overnight batsmen. However, the morning did not go well for India. Jadeja, who had been in good form recently with four consecutive half-centuries, failed to deliver this time. He fell early in the innings after making only 20 runs.

Shardul Thakur tried to hold the innings together and found support in Washington Sundar. The pair added 48 valuable runs before Thakur was dismissed by England’s captain, Ben Stokes, who bowled superbly throughout the innings.

Rishabh Pant Shows True Grit

The highlight of India’s innings came from Rishabh Pant. Even though he was injured and had a fracture in his leg, Pant showed incredible courage by coming out to bat. Earlier, he had retired hurt on 37 but returned to the crease to add more runs when India needed him most. He went on to score 54 runs, showing great determination and spirit. His performance was not just emotional but also important, as it made him the top Indian run-scorer in the current World Test Championship, passing Rohit Sharma.

Pant also reached another personal milestone by equaling Virender Sehwag’s record for most sixes by an Indian in Test matches.

England’s Bowlers Shine

England’s bowlers wrapped up the Indian innings efficiently. Ben Stokes led the attack with five wickets, while Jofra Archer supported him well by taking three. Washington Sundar contributed 27 runs for India, while debutant Anshul Kamboj went out for zero.Bumrah chipped in with 4 runs, and Siraj remained unbeaten with the same score.

India's final total gave them a lead of 133 runs, but it didn’t prove enough to hold back the English batters.

England’s Openers Put on a Strong Show

England’s reply began in attacking fashion. The opening pair of Jack Crowley and Ben Duckett looked confident and aggressive. They added 166 runs together, leaving India struggling for breakthroughs. India’s fast bowlers failed to provide an early breakthrough.

Eventually, Ravindra Jadeja got India the breakthrough. Jadeja got Crowley out with KL Rahul taking a brilliant catch. Crowley missed his century, falling for 84 runs from 113 balls.

Shortly after, debutant Anshul Kamboj got his first Test wicket by dismissing Duckett, who also narrowly missed his hundred. He scored 94 runs off 100 balls, hitting 13 boundaries.

England in Control at Stumps

By the end of Day Two, they had scored 225 runs for the loss of two wickets. Joe Root stood firm with 11 runs, and Ollie Pope supported him with an unbeaten 20. With only a small lead left for India, the pressure is now on the visitors to make a strong comeback on Day Three.