Stokes, openers put England in charge as India wilt: 4th Test, Day 2 (Manchester)

Skipper Ben Stokes took a five wicket haul as India were bowled out for 358 to hand England the dominant position on day 2 at Old Trafford.

Rishabh Pant bravely returned with a fractured toe to score a fighting 54, while Stokes led England’s bowling with a superb display of 5-72. This is the first time since September 2017 that Stokes had taken five wickets in a Test innings.

In reply, England’s openers Ben Duckett (94) and Zak Crawley (84) put on a dominant 166-run stand, cutting down India’s advantage.

By stumps, England were strongly placed at 225 for 2, with Joe Root and Ollie Pope steady at the crease, putting the hosts in control heading into Day 3.

India 358: Sudharsan 61, Jaiswal 58, Pant 54; Stokes 5-72, Archer 3-73 lead England 225-2: Duckett 94, Crawley 84 by 133 runs.

July 2025.