Weather & Conditions
Old Trafford Test Day 2 India Stands Strong Play began under favorable conditions sunny with warm temperatures. Early on Day 2, tragic news: Rishabh Pant suffered a broken foot and was forced to retire hurt on Day 1, ruling him out for the rest of the match. Dhruv Jurel took over wicketkeeping duties
A new ball was taken at the start of Day 2 by England to capitalize on overcast conditions and extract swing a classic Manchester strategy
India 1st Innings – Detailed Scorecard (through Day 2 stumps)
| Batsman | Dismissal | R | B | 4s | 6s | SR |
| Yashasvi Jaiswal | c Harry Brook b Liam Dawson | 58 | 107 | 10 | 1 | 54.21 |
| KL Rahul | c Zak Crawley b Chris Woakes | 46 | 98 | 4 | 0 | 46.94 |
| Sai Sudharsan | not out | 61 | 151 | 7 | 0 | 40.40 |
| Shubman Gill | lbw b Ben Stokes | 12 | 23 | 1 | 0 | 52.17 |
| Rishabh Pant | retired hurt | 37 | 48 | 2 | 1* | 77.08 |
| Ravindra Jadeja | not out | 19 | 37 | 3 | 0 | 51.35 |
| Shardul Thakur | not out | 19 | 36 | 2 | 0 | 52.78 |
| Extras | (lb 6, w 4, nb 2) | |||||
| TOTAL | 264/4 (83 overs) | 3.18 RPO |
Old Trafford Test Day 2 India Stands Strong
Fall of wickets:
1–94 (Rahul, 29.6 ov), 2–120 (Jaiswal, 40.1 ov), 3–140 (Gill, 49.1 ov), 4–212 (Pant, 67.4 ov)
Individual Batting Performances
Yashasvi Jaiswal – 58 (107 b; 10×4, 1×6)
Anchored the innings, reaching a composed fifty that steered India through a tricky session. He faced probing spells from Archer and Woakes.
KL Rahul – 46 (98 b; 4×4)
Old Trafford Test Day 2 India Stands Strong
Demonstrated patience and control, building a solid opening stand with Jaiswal. Eventually edged a Woakes delivery, falling just short of a fifty.
Sai Sudharsan – 61* (151 b; 7×4)
Old Trafford Test Day 2 India Stands Strong At number three, he displayed grit and composure against seam and occasional spin, holding the innings steadily.
Shubman Gill – 12 (23 b)
Struggled against Stokes’ controlled shipment, edging on-lap to fall lbw. A rare mini-failure from the in-form captain.
Rishabh Pant – 37 (48 b; 2×4, 1×6; retired hurt)
Old Trafford Test Day 2 India Stands Strong
An aggressive cameo that ended abruptly when an inside-edge broke his foot. His injury is a massive loss early signs point to his series being over.
Jadeja & Thakur – 19* each
Both chipped in with supportive lower-order runs, helping India recover to 264/4 by stumps.
England Bowling Figures (Day 1–2 combined)
| Bowler | O | M | R | W | Economy |
| Chris Woakes | 17.0 | 4 | 43 | 1 | 2.53 |
| Jofra Archer | 16.0 | 2 | 44 | 0 | 2.75 |
| Brydon Carse | 16.0 | 1 | 60 | 0 | 3.75 |
| Ben Stokes | 14.0 | 2 | 47 | 2 | 3.36 |
| Liam Dawson | 15.0 | 1 | 45 | 1 | 3.00 |
| Joe Root | 5.0 | – | 19 | 0 | 3.80 |
Old Trafford Test Day 2 India Stands Strong
- Stokes broke through for two wickets, including Gill and Pant
- Dawson claimed Jaiswal’s wicket to break the solid opening partnership
- Woakes provided early breakthroughs with control and cunning pace
Day 2 Highlights & Turning Points
- New Ball Attack: England took the new ball early, extracting some movement but India’s openers dealt capably.
- Pant’s Injury: The sight of Pant retiring hurt and undergoing medical attention for a broken foot was a rare disturbing moment
- Middle-Session Shake-up: Stokes’ twin-strike removed Gill and Pant, shifting momentum toward England.
- Lower‑order Resilience: With Jadeja and Thakur adding crucial runs, India preserved stability late in the day.
Context in the Series
-
Old Trafford Test Day 2 India Stands Strong England lead the four-match series 2–1. They secured victories in Tests 1 and 3.
-
India’s earlier campaign successes include Gill’s prolific double centuries and back-to-back hundreds
- India’s fightback in the second Test at Edgbaston (currently 1–1 in that game) showcased the batters’ depth Wisdom that will be tested in Manchester.
Old Trafford Test Day 2 India Stands Strong
What Lies Ahead on Day 3 (July 25, 2025)
- India’s Agenda: Building up to 350+ and possibly declare to apply pressure. Jurel, Jadeja, Thakur still to bat.
- England’s Tactics: New-ball burst early, followed by long spells from seamers; rotations among spinners to probe turn.
- Key Matchups: Sudharsan vs Archer/Woakes, Jadeja vs Carse/Dawson, Thakur vs Stokes.
- Psychological Factor: Pant’s absence may dent aggression. England eye exploiting lower order to minimize lead.
Summary (Stumps Day 2)
- India 1st Innings: 264/4 (83 overs)—on track with solid base despite losing in‑form batters.
- Injuries: Pant out; Jurel now keeper.
- Bowling: England disciplined, backed by Stokes’ double strike.
- Game Balance: Slight edge India, but mid‑innings jolts have swung contest China.
Day 2 Tactical Insights
Old Trafford Test Day 2 India Stands Strong
- India prioritized caution in early overs, established a steady footing Jaiswal and Rahul assembled a 94-run stand.
- England’s choice to use Dawson (spinner) paid immediate dividends breaking the partnership.
- Gill’s uncharacteristic low score signifies England’s tactical adjustment—Stokes focused on swinging back into the crease.
- Jadeja and Thakur’s approach: incremental alliance—19 runs each, valuably knitting the innings back together.
Player Focus
Old Trafford Test Day 2 India Stands Strong
- Yashasvi Jaiswal: Defined his role as anchor; his fourth fifty of tour adds to his burgeoning form
- KL Rahul: Steadying presence, nearly anchored to fifty—fell on 46.
- Sai Sudharsan: Maturity in approach; ground-hugging innings to keep scoreboard ticking.
- Gill: Conceded that occasional low score; will need to rebound tomorrow.
- Pant: Major loss to team; aggressive dynamo absent.
- Jadeja & Thakur: Lower-middle duo held shape; left India well-positioned overnight.
Day 3 Preview
- Starting Position: India trail slightly in time and overs but ahead psychologically.
- Targets: Sidestep early collapse, aim for a 100–130 run lead by play’s end.
- Crucial Matchups: Archer and Woakes’ spells to test Sudharsan/Jadeja; Thakur’s off-spin against England’s middle order later.
- England’s Wish: Early wickets to suppress lead under 300 openers’ jobs cut short to back themselves.
Final Take
Old Trafford Test Day 2 India Stands Strong
Day 2 showcased resilience and counter-strategy. Despite losing Pant and Gill cheaply, India’s middle and lower order steadied the ship. England’s bowling was controlled and energetic, earning key wickets. Heading into Day 3, it’s delicately poised:
- Momentum: Slightly favors India, given stability and partnership building.
- Pressure: On England to break early bedtime partnerships; on India to capitalize on steadiness.
- Series Implication: India needs a win to level (2–2), England to defend and clinch series (3–1).
Old Trafford Test Day 2 India Stands Strong This detailed Day 2 scorecard report (264/4 in 83 overs) sets the stage for a crucial Day 3 at Old Trafford. Tomorrow’s session could be the turning point will India consolidate or will England strike early?