Zak Crawley gets his chance to attack Shubman Gill and he does that viciously in front of the Press

England ended Day 2 of the ongoing fourth Test against India in a strong position, reaching 225/2 and trailing by just 133 runs after India’s first-innings total of 358. Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett gave England a flying start with a strong 166-run partnership that put the pressure on India.

Zak Crawley played a classy knock of 84, while Ben Duckett narrowly missed a century, falling for 94 to debutant Anshul Kamboj. Ravindra Jadeja later dismissed Crawley, but by then England had already taken charge of the game at the Old Trafford Cricket Ground in Manchester.

Zak Crawley expresses content with his knock; hails Ben Stokes for his five-fer

Earlier on Day 2, India posted 358 thanks to a brave effort from Rishabh Pant, who battled through injury to score a gritty 54 despite a broken foot. However, it was Ben Stokes who stole the show with the ball, picking up five wickets and making sure India couldn’t push the total further.

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After the end of the play, Zak Crawley praised England captain Ben Stokes for leading from the front and highlighted how important the all-rounder is as both a bowler and a leader. Zak Crawley said at the press conference, “We are in a good position as a team. Ben Stokes is a phenomenal cricketer, so good to have him as a leader. He is a fantastic bowler, going under the radar.”

The opening batter also acknowledged his own innings, saying he was happy but slightly disappointed to miss out on a century in the ongoing fourth Test match against India in Manchester. Crawley further noted, “I was pleased with the way I played; I would have wanted the 16. You always want more; that will never change.”

Zak Crawley salutes Rishabh Pant for his bravery, but dismisses Shubman Gill’s delay claim

Crawley also lauded Rishabh Pant’s courage, saying how rare it is to see someone bat in such pain. Praising the Indian vice-captain, the Englishman said, “Not many would have come out to bat on one foot. It shows how tough he is.”

When asked about the Lord’s controversy over the delay in England’s innings start, the star opener brushed it off by saying Shubman Gill was lying. Zak Crawley signed off by saying, “I wasn’t aware that we were 90 seconds late. We sit in our spot till the umpires go out.”

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Jonathan Trott says conditions favored England on Day 2

Meanwhile, conditions changed sharply at the Old Trafford Cricket Ground after India were bowled out for 358, with the pitch becoming much more favorable for batting. England made the most of it, piling on runs quickly against India as the surface eased up.

Even the former England batter Jonathan Trott pointed out that afternoon sessions in the UK often help batters more and admitted that the hosts benefited from it. But Trott feels there’s still a chance for India to bounce back if morning conditions assist their seamers on Day 3.

Jonathan Trott said on JioCinema, “In the UK, afternoons are generally better for batting. The toss mattered. England will look to capitalize, but India could still fight back if morning conditions favor their seamers again.”