India bowlers feel the Bazball heat

English openers flay Indian attack on Day 2 to cut lead down to 133 runs after visitors posted 358 in the Ist innings at Old Trafford

- Sanjeev K Samyal

Rishabh Pant had put his body on the line when he came out to bat with a broken toe on the second morning of the fourth Test match at Old Trafford, Manchester. Even though he was unable to run, in the company of the tail-enders, he helped India cross the 350-run mark. Such heroic efforts usually inspire teammates and galvanise them to give their best.

It was time for India’s new ball bowlers to pounce on the ‘opportunity created from the fight put up by their lower order. To the dismay of their supporters, however, the India pace attack turned out to be listless as they wasted the new ball and surrendered the advantage to England.

Left-handed batter Ben Duckett led the way for the home side with an enterprising 166-run opening partnership with Zak Crawley in just 32 overs. Duckett smashed 94 and Crawley hit 84.

At the end of day’s play, England had reached a total of 25/2 to cut India’s lead to 133. At stumps, Ollie Pope was unbeaten on 20 Joe Root was batting on 11.

Replying to India’s total of 358, Duckett pushed the visitors ‘on the backfoot immediately with a flurry of fours to race to 43 off 41 balls as England reached 77/0 in 14 overs before tea. The break provided no respite for the visitors. On resumption, England's openers continued their run-making uninterrupted.