We’re just two days into the 4th Test at Old Trafford, and already it feels like this match could go down as one of the most memorable in recent times. India came in needing a win to stay alive in the series, and while England might have the edge at the end of Day 2, the real story was all about one man Rishabh Pant. starexch gives you the best update and predictions

Day 2 Highlights: Pant’s Bravery, England’s Counterattack

Pant Walks In, With a Fractured Toe

India started Day 2 at a steady 264/4. Jaiswal had already done the groundwork with a solid 76, and Sudharsan was still there, on debut, looking confident. But all eyes turned when Rishabh Pant came out to bat—in a moonboot, no less. Just the day before, he’d been taken off in an ambulance after injuring his toe. Most thought his tour was done. Not Pant.

Incredibly, he walked out, battled the pain, and scored a fighting 54 off 75 balls. There were sixes. There were boundaries. There was grit. One of his sixes tied Virender Sehwag’s record for most by an Indian in Tests. Not just that—he also broke Alec Stewart’s record for most runs by a keeper in a Test series in England.

For supporters following the game, best cricket exchange sites offer an interactive means of remaining involved in the match's turn of events. Comments poured in calling him a “warrior” and “the heartbeat of the team.” And honestly? They weren’t wrong.

Thanks to his knock and cameos from Thakur (41) and Sundar (23), India reached 358 before being bowled out. England’s best with the ball was their captain Ben Stokes, who picked up 5 for 72—his first five-for in years. Archer backed him up well with three wickets, using the bounce cleverly.

England Strike Back in Bazball Style

Then came England’s reply—and it was aggressive from the get-go. Duckett and Crawley tore into India’s bowling with a 166-run stand at a strike rate most ODI teams would envy. Duckett fell just short of a century on 94, and Crawley made 84. India’s young debutant Anshul Kamboj had a tough start, going for boundaries early, while Siraj struggled to find his length.

Thankfully for India, Ravindra Jadeja got Crawley out, and Kamboj bounced back to dismiss Duckett just before stumps. A bit of a late comeback, but England still finished the day on top at 225/2, trailing by only 133 with Root and Pope at the crease.

Pant’s Injury: A Risk Worth Taking?

While his batting won hearts, Pant’s injury has sparked debate. Should he be allowed to continue playing in this condition? Can he keep wickets? The team brought in Jurel as a sub-keeper, and chances are they’ll stick with him.

On starexch, opinions were split—some called Pant’s effort heroic, others were worried it could affect his long-term career. Either way, his availability will be a key talking point heading into Day 3.

Key Talking Points from Day 2

• Pant’s 54: One of the grittiest innings you’ll ever see—injured and still hitting sixes.
  
  

• Stokes’ Return to Form: A captain’s spell that broke India’s middle order.
  
  

• England’s Lightning Start: Duckett and Crawley made a serious statement.
  
  

• India’s Late Fightback: Two wickets in the final hour gave them a lifeline.

What to Expect on Day 3

Weather & Pitch Report

Cool conditions, a bit of cloud, and around 20% chance of rain. There’ll still be some help for bowlers early on. The pitch has slowed a bit but still carries enough bounce to trouble batters—especially with a used Dukes ball.

India’s Plan

Early wickets. That’s it. Bumrah needs to strike—he’s wicketless so far, which is rare. Jadeja should continue to probe from the City End. The real challenge will be keeping England under 370. If they let them get to 400, it could be a long road back. India’s bowlers must tighten their lines, especially Kamboj and Siraj.

England’s Strategy

They’ll come out looking to score quick and get a first-innings lead of 50 or more. With Pope and Root settled and Stokes still to come, England’s deep batting could pile on the runs fast. Expect them to stay aggressive, especially if rain threatens play. And once they bowl, they’ll go hard at India’s top order.

Key Player Battles

• Bumrah vs Root: The battle that could decide the momentum.
  
  

• Jadeja vs Pope: Can Jadeja sneak one through Pope early?
  
  

• Jurel’s Keeping: With Pant likely resting, Jurel’s keeping needs to be sharp.
  
  

Day 3 Prediction

England’s 1st Innings: Should end between 360–400, depending on early breakthroughs.
India’s 2nd Innings (if it starts late): Expect around 70/2 by stumps.

Win Chances (Unofficial):

• England: 52%
  
  

• India: 28%
  
  

• Draw: 20% (if rain plays spoilsport)
  
  

Final Word

Day 2 was all about Rishabh Pant. A broken toe, a taped-up foot, and still… a brave half-century that turned into a story for the ages. England might have the edge for now, but India’s late strikes gave them a fighting chance. Day 3 is crucial.

Can India’s bowlers step up? Will England tighten their grip? One thing’s for sure—cricket fans on starexch will be watching every ball, sharing every moment, and debating every decision.

Stay tuned. This one’s far from over.