ENG Vs IND : No-ball Drama Favours Ravindra Jadeja As KL Rahul Grabs A Blinder To Dismiss Zak Crawley In Manchester Test

The fourth Test between India and England at Old Trafford has delivered a cricketing spectacle that only these two nations can conjure—flashes of brilliance, moments of madness, and controversies that stir the soul of the game. As the second day came to a close, England marched back to the pavilion on 225/2, responding to India’s 358, with the game delicately poised and the series still hanging in the balance at 1-2.

But amid the statistics and the scoreboard, Day 2 will be remembered for two standout moments: Ravindra Jadeja’s unexpected redemption through a no-ball twist, and KL Rahul’s acrobatic catch that turned the match on its head. Here’s how the day unfolded.

India’s 358: Foundation Built on Grit and Grit Alone

India began Day 2 in a relatively strong position, having ended Day 1 at 312/6. However, they could only manage 46 more runs as England’s seamers, led by Chris Woakes and Ollie Robinson, cleaned up the tail. Still, the first innings total of 358 was considered respectable on a slow Old Trafford pitch that had shown only hints of uneven bounce.

The first innings was marked by gritty half-centuries from Yashasvi Jaiswal (58), Sai Sudharsan (61), KL Rahul (46), and Rishabh Pant (54). Not one Indian batter went on to score a century, but each of them contributed in patches, pushing India toward a total they could bowl at.

Woakes (4/71) and Robinson (3/69) were the pick of England’s bowlers, applying pressure through disciplined lines and lengths. However, little did they know what their batsmen would go on to produce later in the day.

Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett: The Blitzkrieg Begins

In the post-lunch session, England’s openers, Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett, walked out with purpose and plundered the Indian bowlers mercilessly. Right from the first over, the tone was set—anything loose was punished, and even good balls were driven or flicked with ease.

In just 33.2 overs, the opening duo brought up a 166-run stand, effectively erasing any psychological edge India may have had. The Indian bowling attack, led by Jasprit Bumrah, appeared jaded and lacking imagination. Siraj, Thakur, and debutant Anshul Kamboj couldn’t find the discipline or variation needed to halt the English juggernaut.

Duckett, nimble and aggressive, was quick on the pull and sweep, while Crawley looked serene, caressing the ball with elegant drives and fluent cuts. Their contrasting styles complemented each other, and India’s bowling unit found themselves running out of ideas.

Jadeja’s No-Ball Magic: Crawley’s Fall Sparks a Turnaround

Then came Ravindra Jadeja, bowling his 32nd over with England cruising at 166. The sixth ball of the over was dispatched for four, and umpire Kumar Dharmasena called it a no-ball—forcing Jadeja to bowl an extra delivery.

That extra ball turned the tide.

It was a teasing delivery that pitched on off and straightened slightly. Crawley, batting on 84, offered a forward defense. The ball grazed the edge and flew low to KL Rahul at first slip. With cat-like reflexes, Rahul stooped forward and completed a breathtaking catch just inches above the ground.

Crawley stood his ground, waiting for the TV umpire to confirm. Multiple replays followed. The tension was palpable. But eventually, it was ruled out—the fingers were under the ball, and England’s momentum took a dent.

A no-ball turned into a wicket. A twist that only Test cricket can produce.

KL Rahul’s Slip Genius: A Moment of Pure Fielding Brilliance

Amid India’s bowling struggles, KL Rahul’s catch proved a beacon of professionalism and skill. It wasn’t just the mechanics of the dive or the assurance in his hands—it was the anticipation.

Rahul has long been one of India’s finest slip fielders, and on this occasion, he exhibited world-class awareness. Crawley’s edge was faint, and the ball barely carried, but Rahul reacted just in time to scoop it off the turf. It was a moment that drew applause even from English fans.

In a game where fielding often plays second fiddle to batting and bowling, Rahul’s moment reminded us all of the value a reliable slip cordon brings—especially in overseas conditions.

Duckett’s Dismissal: A Missed Ton but Job Well Done

Ben Duckett, who had looked set for a memorable century, fell soon after Crawley. Attempting an expansive cut shot off Shardul Thakur, he only managed to edge it to Pant behind the stumps. Dismissed for 94 off 105 balls, Duckett was visibly disappointed, but his innings had served England well. He had taken the attack to India and ensured that the hosts would stay in the fight.

Duckett’s knock was a blueprint in aggressive Test match batting—playing the field, rotating strike, and pouncing on anything full or short. His 94 featured 14 boundaries and a strike rate north of 90, showing how modern-day Test openers are reshaping the game.

India’s Bowling Woes: Flat, Wayward, and Disjointed

For India, Day 2 with the ball was nothing short of frustrating. Despite putting up 358 on the board, the bowlers couldn’t back it up. Jasprit Bumrah, normally the go-to strike weapon, finished with 0/37 in 13 overs, looking uncharacteristically off-color. Mohammed Siraj was expensive, conceding 58 runs in 10 wicketless overs.

Anshul Kamboj, on debut, was tidy in patches but lacked bite, managing just one wicket at the cost of 48 runs in his 10 overs. Shardul Thakur, usually effective with the old ball, was erratic and leaked runs at over 7 an over.

Only Ravindra Jadeja, with his clever variations and rhythm, looked capable of controlling proceedings. His figures—8-0-37-1—reflected discipline and accuracy. But in a session dominated by the bat, one bowler alone wasn’t enough.

The State of the Match: Who Has the Edge?

As the sun set over Old Trafford, England had reached 225/2 in 46 overs, still trailing by 133 runs but with Joe Root (23)* and Ollie Pope (12)* at the crease. The match, like the series, is delicately poised.

England have the upper hand in terms of momentum and batting conditions, but India will hope for some reverse swing or spin assistance on Day 3. If the visitors can strike early and limit England’s lead to under 50, they’ll be back in the contest. But if Root and Pope bat deep, India could be staring at a daunting fourth-innings chase.

Beyond the Numbers: A Test That Captivates and Challenges

What makes this series special isn’t just the stakes or the rivalry—it’s the drama that each day throws up. From Sai Sudharsan’s solid debut innings to KL Rahul’s slip heroics, from Crawley’s fluent knock to Jadeja’s no-ball redemption, Day 2 had it all.

This is Test cricket in its purest form—where strategies evolve session by session, where each mistake is magnified, and where moments like one extra delivery can define the day.

Looking Ahead: Day 3 – The Pivotal Session Beckons

The third day of a Test match is often the most defining, and at Old Trafford, it promises to be just that. India will need early breakthroughs. England, on the other hand, will aim to bat big and bat long.

With Ben Stokes still to come and the in-form Harry Brook waiting in the wings, England have the firepower to push past India’s total and dictate terms. But the pressure of a must-win match and a potentially deteriorating pitch will test even their best.

For India, the onus lies on Bumrah and Jadeja to find inspiration and deliver. The question remains: will the visitors bounce back, or will England turn the screw?

Final Thoughts: Test Cricket’s Timeless Theatre

The India vs England rivalry has always produced iconic moments—from Headingley 2002 to Chennai 2021—and Old Trafford 2025 looks set to join that list. With four days of riveting cricket still unfolding, fans across the world are being treated to the beauty and brutality of Test match cricket.

Day 2 was a chapter full of adrenaline, artistry, and agony—and if this is anything to go by, Day 3 could be an all-time classic.

Match Summary (End of Day 2)
India 1st Innings: 358 all out
England 1st Innings: 225/2 (46 overs)
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