IND vs ENG Day 2: Can India Turn the Match Around?

IND vs ENG Day 2: Can India Turn the Match Around?

IND vs ENG 4th Test Day 2: India looks to shift momentum with Bumrah, Jaiswal, and Gill in form. Can they take control today? Live score & analysis inside.

Old Trafford Test: Day 2 – The Crucial Turning Point for India

The highly anticipated fourth Test match between India and England at Old Trafford, Manchester, moves into its pivotal second day today, July 24, 2025. After a gripping Day 1 that saw fluctuating fortunes for both sides, India resumes their first innings at a respectable 264 for the loss of just four wickets. The onus is now squarely on the overnight unbeaten pair of Ravindra Jadeja and Shardul Thakur to consolidate India's position and push for a commanding first innings lead against a resilient English bowling attack. This day is poised to be the definitive match turning point, determining the momentum for the remainder of the Test.

This match holds immense significance for the Indian team, who are currently trailing 1-2 in the five-match Test series. A victory here is imperative to level the series and force a decider. The conditions at Old Trafford, historically challenging for visiting teams, add another layer of complexity to this riveting contest. As the IND vs ENG Live Match unfolds on Day 2, every run and every wicket will be keenly watched, with the Manchester weather also poised to play its characteristic role in the proceedings. The collective performance of the Indian side, particularly from its key players, will be under intense scrutiny as they aim to seize control.

Day 1 Recap: Resilience Amidst Setbacks

Day 1 of the Old Trafford Test commenced with England captain Ben Stokes winning the toss and electing to bowl first, aiming to exploit the overcast conditions and early moisture. India's openers, Yashasvi Jaiswal (58) and KL Rahul (46), provided a solid start, navigating the tricky initial spell from the English pacers. Their disciplined approach allowed them to forge a crucial 94-run partnership, ensuring India went to lunch without losing a wicket – a significant psychological victory in challenging English conditions.

However, the second session saw England fight back with renewed vigor, picking up quick wickets. KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal departed in relatively quick succession, followed by captain Shubman Gill (12), who fell cheaply after a brief stay. Debutant Sai Sudharsan (61), batting at number three, emerged as a beacon of stability. His gritty half-century, crafted with immense composure and solid technique over 151 balls, was crucial in stabilizing the innings after the mini-collapse, showcasing his temperament under pressure and justifying his selection.

A major setback for India came late in the day when wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant was forced to retire hurt. He sustained a painful blow to his right foot while attempting a reverse sweep off Chris Woakes. Although UltraEdge confirmed a faint under-edge, saving him from an LBW dismissal, the injury appeared serious, and he was stretchered off the field for scans. This unfortunate incident brought Ravindra Jadeja to the crease earlier than expected, joining Sai Sudharsan. The day concluded with Jadeja (19*) and Shardul Thakur (19*) battling valiantly, having stemmed the flow of wickets and ensured India reached stumps at a respectable 264/4. Their unbroken stand provided a glimmer of hope and set the stage for a crucial Day 2.

Manchester Weather Update for Day 2: Overcast Start, Brighter Finish

The Manchester weather has always been a significant factor in matches played at Old Trafford, and Day 2 is no exception. According to the latest Met Office forecast for July 24, 2025, the day began under overcast conditions, with a 10-30% chance of light rain in the morning session. This could potentially lead to brief delays or interruptions, favoring the seam bowlers with increased swing and movement off the pitch. Such conditions often test the patience and technique of batsmen, making the first hour of play particularly challenging.

However, the forecast indicates a gradual improvement in conditions as the day progresses. The afternoon is expected to transition to sunny intervals, with the chance of showers dropping to a mere 10%. Temperatures are predicted to range comfortably between 16°C and 21°C, making for pleasant cricketing conditions once the clouds clear. The improving weather in the latter half of the day should allow for extended periods of uninterrupted play, which will be crucial for India to build a substantial total. The pitch, which showed some grass cover but played relatively flat on Day 1, might offer more assistance to bowlers as it wears, especially if the early morning moisture persists. The team that adapts best to these changing conditions will likely gain the upper hand.

Key Players in Focus on Day 2: The Batting and Bowling Pillars

The spotlight on Day 2 will firmly be on several key Indian players, both with the bat and potentially with the ball in England's second innings.

Ravindra Jadeja: The All-Round Anchor

Ravindra Jadeja's role with the bat has become increasingly crucial for India, especially in overseas Tests. He has demonstrated remarkable composure and the ability to bat effectively with the lower order, adding valuable runs that often prove to be match-changing. His batting style, a blend of watchful defense and aggressive strokeplay, makes him a difficult batsman to dislodge once set. Jadeja's experience will be key in navigating the early morning conditions and the second new ball, which will be available soon. His ability to rotate the strike and punish loose deliveries will be essential for keeping the scoreboard ticking and building a significant First Innings Lead. Beyond his batting, his left-arm spin will be vital on a pitch that is expected to offer more turn as the match progresses, making him a central figure in India's strategy.

Shardul Thakur: The 'Lord' of Crucial Contributions

Often referred to as 'Lord Thakur' for his uncanny knack of picking up crucial wickets and, more importantly, contributing significantly with the bat, Shardul Thakur's presence at number seven provides India with invaluable lower-order batting depth. He has a reputation for playing fearless cricket, often counter-attacking to shift momentum. His partnership with Jadeja will be critical not just for adding runs but also for frustrating the English bowlers and tiring them out before the second new ball can be fully utilized. Thakur's aggressive approach, if well-executed, could quickly add vital runs to India's total, pushing them towards a commanding position. His bowling, with his ability to swing the ball and pick up wickets at crucial junctures, will also be vital in England's innings.

Jasprit Bumrah: The Bowling Spearhead

While his primary impact will be with the ball in England's second innings, Jasprit Bumrah's presence is a constant threat. His fitness and form are paramount for India's bowling attack. Bumrah's ability to generate pace, swing, and bounce, even on relatively flat surfaces, makes him a potent weapon. His spells will be crucial in breaking partnerships and picking up wickets quickly. With the series on the line, the team will rely heavily on his ability to deliver match-winning performances, especially if India manages to secure a substantial First Innings Lead, allowing him to bowl with less pressure.

Yashasvi Jaiswal & Shubman Gill: The Future of Indian Batting

Although they had mixed fortunes on Day 1, the performances of Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill in England's second innings will be critical. Jaiswal's ability to provide quick starts and Gill's class at number four will be essential if India needs to bat again. Their form will be crucial for India Cricket Prediction in this Test, as a strong showing from them can set the tone for the entire innings. The team management will be hoping for a Jaiswal Century Watch in the second innings, if the opportunity arises, to truly stamp India's authority.

The Quest for First Innings Lead: India's Strategic Imperative

With India at 264/4 at stumps on Day 1, the primary objective for Day 2 is unequivocally to establish a substantial First Innings Lead. England's first innings total will be the benchmark, and India will aim to surpass it comfortably to put immense pressure on the hosts. A lead of 100-150 runs would be considered excellent, giving India a significant psychological advantage and allowing their bowlers to attack with more freedom and aggression in England's second innings.

The pitch at Old Trafford, while initially flat, has shown signs of variable bounce and could offer more assistance to spinners and pacers as the match progresses. This makes a big first innings total even more critical. India's batting depth will be tested, especially with Rishabh Pant's uncertain status due to his injury. Contributions from Washington Sundar and the tailenders will also be crucial if Jadeja and Thakur fall early. The early session on Day 2 will be pivotal in setting the tone for India's innings and their determined pursuit of a commanding lead. This is where the Match Turning Point could truly manifest for India.

Overall Match Context: A Series on the Line

This fourth Test at Old Trafford is a do-or-die encounter for India. Trailing 1-2 in the series, a loss here would mean conceding the series to England. India has a challenging historical record at Old Trafford, having never won a Test match at this venue (with four losses and five draws in previous encounters). Overcoming this historical hurdle, coupled with England's strong home advantage and the aggressive 'Bazball' approach, makes this a truly high-stakes contest. The performance on Day 2, particularly in the first session, will largely dictate the momentum of the IND vs ENG Live Match and could prove decisive in the context of the entire Test series. The team that shows greater resilience and strategic acumen today will likely emerge with the upper hand.

Conclusion: A Day of Opportunities and Challenges

Day 2 of the India vs England Test at Old Trafford promises to be a captivating day of Test cricket. With Ravindra Jadeja and Shardul Thakur at the crease, India has a golden opportunity to build a formidable first innings total and establish a crucial First Innings Lead. However, they will need to contend with the early morning Manchester weather, a fresh English bowling attack, and the potential absence of Rishabh Pant. The outcome of today's play will significantly influence the direction of this Test match and, ultimately, the fate of the series. All eyes will be on Manchester as the battle for supremacy continues, with India aiming to engineer a definitive Match Turning Point in their favor.