India vs England Day 2: Jadeja, Thakur Eye First Innings Lead at Old Trafford Test
As the Old Trafford Test enters Day 2, all eyes are on Ravindra Jadeja and Shardul Thakur to build on India's strong position. With the first innings lead in sight, and the Manchester weather playing its part, this Test Cricket 2025 encounter promises more drama.
Old Trafford Test: Day 2 Kicks Off with High Stakes for India
The highly anticipated fourth Test match between India and England at Old Trafford, Manchester, moves into its crucial 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 match holds immense significance for the Indian team, who are currently trailing 1-2 in the five-match Test Cricket 2025 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.
Day 1 Recap: A Mixed Bag for India
Day 1 of the Old Trafford Test began with England captain Ben Stokes winning the toss and electing to bowl first, aiming to exploit the overcast conditions. India's openers, Yashasvi Jaiswal (58) and KL Rahul (46), provided a solid start, navigating the tricky initial spell and putting on a crucial 94-run partnership. Their disciplined approach ensured India went to lunch without losing a wicket, a significant achievement in English conditions.
However, the second session saw England fight back, picking up quick wickets. KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal departed in quick succession, followed by captain Shubman Gill (12), who fell cheaply. Debutant Sai Sudharsan (61), batting at number three, showed immense composure and technique, scoring a gritty half-century and stabilizing the innings after the mini-collapse. His patient knock of 61 off 151 balls was a testament to his temperament under pressure.
A major setback for India came late in the day when wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant was forced to retire hurt after being struck painfully on 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 it out, taking India to 264/4 at stumps.
Manchester Weather Update: What to Expect on Day 2
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 begins 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.
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 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 Crucial Partnership: Ravindra Jadeja and Shardul Thakur
The spotlight on Day 2 will firmly be on Ravindra Jadeja and Shardul Thakur. The duo walked off the field at stumps on Day 1, both unbeaten on 19 runs, having stemmed the flow of wickets after Sai Sudharsan's dismissal and Rishabh Pant's injury. Their partnership will be vital for India's aspirations of securing a significant first innings lead.
Ravindra Jadeja: Known for his all-round capabilities, 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 with the tail, adding valuable runs. 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.
Shardul Thakur: Often referred to as 'Lord Thakur' for his knack of picking up crucial wickets and contributing with the bat, Shardul Thakur's presence at number seven provides India with valuable 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.
Their ability to withstand the initial onslaught from England's pacers, particularly with the second new ball due, will determine how strong India's first innings total eventually becomes.
The Quest for First Innings Lead: India's Target
With India at 264/4, the primary objective for Day 2 will be 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 pressure on the hosts. A lead of 100-150 runs would be considered excellent, giving India a psychological advantage and allowing their bowlers to attack with more freedom 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. 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 pursuit of a commanding lead.
Rishabh Pant's Injury: A Major Concern for India
The injury to Rishabh Pant on Day 1 is a significant concern for the Indian team. Being hit on the right foot forced him to retire hurt, and he was immediately sent for scans. While an official update on his availability for Day 2 and the remainder of the Test is awaited, early indications suggest it could be serious. If Pant is unable to bat further or keep wickets, it will necessitate a reshuffle in India's plans. Dhruv Jurel, who kept wickets in the previous Test when Pant was nursing a finger injury, is the most likely candidate to take over the gloves if needed. Pant's aggressive batting style and ability to score quickly are invaluable, and his absence would certainly be felt.
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 '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 Cricket 2025 series.
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 2025. With Ravindra Jadeja and Shardul Thakur at the crease, India has an 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.
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