Anshul Kamboj swiftly silenced Ricky Ponting’s criticism with a crucial breakthrough late on Day 2 of the Manchester Test.
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Crawley-Duckett Stand Puts England on Top Despite Pant’s Heroics and Kamboj’s Late Strike
England seized control of the fourth Test at Old Trafford, thanks to a dominant opening partnership between Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett. Responding to India’s first-innings total of 358, the hosts ended Day 2 on a strong 225/2, trailing by just 133 runs. Crawley and Duckett laid the foundation with a crucial 166-run stand, both falling short of individual centuries—Crawley for 84 and Duckett for 94.
Rishabh Pant’s brave half-century, achieved despite a fractured toe, briefly lifted India’s spirits earlier in the day. However, England’s openers quickly shifted the momentum, capitalizing on favorable batting conditions and dispatching loose deliveries with authority. India toiled for breakthroughs, and criticism mounted as debutant Anshul Kamboj was handed the ball in the 37th over.
Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting, on commentary, questioned captain Shubman Gill’s tactics for not turning to spearhead Jasprit Bumrah during that key phase. “I’m very surprised they haven’t gone to Bumrah… They’ve added 55 since he last bowled,” Ricky Ponting pointed out, underscoring what he saw as a missed opportunity to regain control.
But Gill’s decision paid off dramatically. Kamboj, who was a surprise late addition to the squad, struck immediately, removing the well-set Duckett for 94. The right-arm pacer drew an edge with a sharp delivery that was safely pouched by wicketkeeper Dhruv Jurel, halting England’s surge and offering India a glimmer of hope heading into Day 3.
India hope to capitalise
With the series tilted 2-1 in England’s favour, such turning points are crucial for India as they attempt to claw their way back into the contest. The challenge is steeper considering India will likely be one batter short in the second innings. Despite Rishabh Pant’s courageous return in the first innings to score a vital half-century, his severely limited mobility due to a fractured toe makes another impactful outing unlikely. While Pant’s bravery has inspired the squad, his physical limitations could leave India vulnerable in a tightly fought match.