🏏 India vs England – 4th Test Live Report: Day 2 Drama at Old Trafford
📍 Location: Old Trafford, Manchester
📅 Date: July 24, 2025
⏱ Status: India 321/8 at lunch (Day 2) | Match evenly poised
🌟India vs England: When Grit Meets Pressure at Old Trafford
As the grey skies of Manchester loom large over Old Trafford, the battlefield between two cricketing giants—India and England—is producing the kind of drama fans dream of. The 4th Test in the 5-match series has reached a pivotal moment. With England leading 2–1, this Test isn’t just a game—it’s a lifeline for India.
After an intense opening day, Day 2 began with a mixture of tactical aggression, courageous resilience, and a bit of rain-induced drama. India’s innings, led by a courageous Rishabh Pant and a gritty lower order, has reached 321/8 by lunch on Day 2.
🇮🇳 India vs England: Rishabh Pant - A One-Legged Warrior on a Mission
Perhaps the most emotional and heroic moment of this Test so far came early today when Rishabh Pant, who retired hurt on Day 1 with a fractured toe, walked back to the crease. With heavy strapping around his foot, visible pain in every stride, and a deafening cheer from the Indian crowd, Pant’s return wasn’t just about cricket—it was about character. Limping, taped up, and clearly in discomfort, Pant’s return was not just a display of bravery—it was a statement.
Batting with sheer determination, he rotated the strike smartly, shielding the tailenders and playing strokes when opportunities came. His 39-run knock from 55 balls will not just be remembered for the score, but for the heart and fight it symbolized.
Pant’s innings injected belief into the Indian camp and quieted the English bowlers for a brief spell, even as the skies threatened rain.
Each run came with grit, each boundary with calculated risk. Pant’s fearless knock energized the Indian dugout, unsettled England’s bowlers, and showcased the mental resilience he’s become known for. As light rain began to fall, the image of Pant punching through covers on one leg stood as a symbolic act of resistance—India’s fight wasn’t over yet.
🎯 India vs England Day 2: Jofra Archer and Chris Woakes Turn Up the Heat
England began Day 2 with the second new ball in hand—and it was Jofra Archer who drew first blood. Bowling with venomous pace and precise movement, he dismantled Ravindra Jadeja with a swinging delivery that uprooted off-stump. Moments later, Ben Stokes brought himself on and induced an edge from Shardul Thakur, brilliantly caught in the gully by Ollie Pope.
Chris Woakes complemented Archer well from the other end, maintaining pressure with tight lines and a hint of reverse swing. Together, they ensured India couldn’t run away with the scoreboard
Washington Sundar Leads India’s Resistance Amid Wicket Fall in IND vs ENG Test
Despite a flurry of dismissals at the other end, Washington Sundar held his ground firmly, preventing England from dominating completely. His composed innings ensured India didn’t lose grip on the scoreboard momentum .
Unbeaten at lunch, his contribution has grown in importance, especially after Pant’s departure. His ability to manipulate the field and frustrate bowlers with singles has been crucial.
🌦 Weather Watch: Rain Interruptions Begin
Rain is always a factor in Manchester, and today was no exception. Just as India were looking to push the score past 340, drizzle forced an early lunch—something that often influences India vs England Tests played in English conditions. The outfield remains playable, but with cloud cover thickening, bowlers are likely to benefit post-lunch.
Rain interruptions could also affect England’s approach when they come out to bat—possibly promoting aggression to cover for lost time.
🧠 Tactical Battle: Stokes vs Gill (Captaincy Calls)
Leading India for the first time in a Test match, Shubman Gill displayed tactical awareness and composure well beyond his experience. His decision to let Pant return—despite a serious injury—was bold. He also managed the batting order efficiently, allowing Sundar and Thakur enough space to play their roles.
Stokes, on the other hand, was tactical with his bowling changes. He brought himself on at key moments and rotated Archer and Woakes well to attack specific Indian batters. However, his bowlers let India escape with a few too many runs in the morning session—a point that might bite back later in the match.
🔍 Session Summary (Day 2, Morning)
| Event | Description |
|---|---|
| Early Wickets | Jadeja bowled by Archer; Thakur caught off Stokes |
| Pant’s Return | Scored 39 runs with fractured toe |
| Key Partnership | Sundar + Pant added 43 runs |
| Lunch Score | India 321/8 (Sundar 26*, Bumrah 5*) |
| Rain Factor | Early lunch called at 12:45 PM local time |
⚖️ Match Situation: Who’s Ahead?
With the pitch offering movement and the clouds hanging low, anything around 350 could be a fighting total. While England would have expected to wrap up the innings under 300, India’s tail has shown enough resistance to stretch their total.
However, England’s top order has looked dangerous throughout the series. If Crawley and Duckett manage to weather the early storm from Bumrah and Siraj, they could rapidly shift the momentum in England’s favour. India, on the other hand, will be banking on early wickets and praying the pitch continues to assist their bowlers. cloudy to keep the swing in play.
📊 Player Spotlight: Performance Ratings (So Far)
| Player | Performance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Rishabh Pant | 39 (55), with injury | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Jofra Archer | 3 wickets | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Ben Stokes | 2 wickets, 1 key catch | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Washington Sundar | 26* runs, still batting | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Chris Woakes | Economical and consistent | ⭐⭐⭐ |
📣 What Experts Are Saying
“Rishabh Pant is the beating heart of this Indian side. Walking out on one leg, scoring runs, absorbing pressure—that’s Test cricket at its best.”
— Michael Vaughan, Former England Captain
“India’s lower order has added 60+ runs after the top six were dismissed. That’s what fighting back looks like.”
— Aakash Chopra, Cricket Analyst
🔮 What’s Coming Next?
Post-lunch battle: Can India touch 350 before getting all out?
England’s response: Will Bumrah and Siraj strike early, or will Crawley and Duckett weather the storm?
Rain watch: More showers are expected by evening—could this become a shortened Test?
For more information:- Latest update sheds light on Rishabh Pant’s availability
📝 FAQs for India vs England 4th Test Day 2
At the lunch break on Day 2, India stands at 321 for 8, with Washington Sundar holding firm and Jasprit Bumrah accompanying him at the other end.
The 4th Test match is being played at Old Trafford, Manchester, one of England’s most iconic cricket grounds.
Braving a fractured toe, Rishabh Pant walked out to bat on Day 2 and scored a fighting 39, showcasing his trademark courage and never-give-up attitude.
Rishabh Pant – 39 (played with injury)
Jofra Archer – 3 key wickets
Washington Sundar – unbeaten and steady innings
Ben Stokes – 2 wickets and sharp fielding
Yes, rain caused an early lunch on Day 2 and could affect play later in the day due to overcast conditions.
The match is evenly balanced. India is aiming to cross 350, while England will try to take quick wickets and start batting under tricky conditions.
Shubman Gill is leading India as captain in this Test match.
