By Krishna Dua 
Old Trafford Test: India vs England Day 2 Sees Jadeja & Thakur Forge Crucial Lead for India
The fourth Test match between India and England at Old Trafford, Manchester, entered its pivotal second day today, July 24, 2025, with India in a determined mood to establish dominance. Resuming their first innings at a precarious 264 for four, the onus was squarely on the overnight unbeaten pair of Ravindra Jadeja and Shardul Thakur to not just consolidate, but to actively forge a significant first innings lead. Their partnership became the cornerstone of India’s efforts, turning a potentially vulnerable position into one of strength against a persistent English bowling attack.
This match carries immense weight for the Indian team, who are currently trailing 1-2 in the five-match Test series. A victory here is not just desirable but imperative to level the series and set up a thrilling decider. The historical challenges posed by Old Trafford, coupled with England’s aggressive ‘Bazball’ approach, make every session a battle of wits and skill. As the IND vs ENG live match unfolds on Day 2, the performances of Jadeja and Thakur, alongside the ever-present influence of the Manchester weather, are shaping the narrative of this crucial encounter.
Day 1 Recap: A Tale of Resilience and Setbacks
Day 1 of the Old Trafford Test commenced with England captain Ben Stokes winning the toss and opting to bowl first, a decision aimed at exploiting the prevalent overcast conditions. India’s opening pair, Yashasvi Jaiswal (58) and KL Rahul (46), demonstrated commendable resilience, navigating the tricky initial spell to put together a vital 94-run partnership. Their disciplined approach was instrumental in ensuring India went to lunch without losing a wicket, a significant psychological victory in challenging English conditions.
However, the second session witnessed a spirited fightback from England, as they managed to pick up quick wickets. KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal departed in relatively quick succession, followed by captain Shubman Gill (12), who fell cheaply. 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.
A significant setback for India occurred 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 an audacious reverse sweep off Chris Woakes. Although UltraEdge confirmed a faint under-edge, saving him from an LBW dismissal, the injury appeared serious, necessitating immediate scans. This unfortunate incident brought Ravindra Jadeja to the crease earlier than anticipated, joining Sai Sudharsan. The day concluded with Jadeja (19*) and Shardul Thakur (19*) battling valiantly, ensuring India reached stumps at a respectable 264 for four. Their unbroken stand provided a glimmer of hope for Day 2.
Manchester Weather Update: A Day of Mixed Conditions
The notoriously unpredictable Manchester weather has once again played a characteristic role in this Test match. For Day 2, the Met Office forecast for July 24, 2025, indicated a mixed bag of conditions. The morning session began under overcast skies, accompanied by a 10-30% chance of light rain. This early moisture and cloud cover were expected to assist the seam bowlers, potentially leading to increased swing and movement off the pitch, and possibly causing brief delays in play.
However, the forecast also brought good news for cricket enthusiasts, predicting a gradual improvement in conditions as the day progressed. The afternoon was expected to transition into sunny intervals, with the probability of showers significantly dropping to a mere 10%. Temperatures were projected to range comfortably between 16°C and 21°C, creating more favorable conditions for uninterrupted play in the latter half of the day. The pitch, which initially appeared flat on Day 1 despite some grass, was anticipated to offer more assistance to bowlers as it wears, especially if the early morning moisture persisted, making the first session crucial for the batting side.
The Crucial Partnership: Ravindra Jadeja and Shardul Thakur’s Stand
The spotlight on Day 2 firmly rested on the shoulders of Ravindra Jadeja and Shardul Thakur. The duo, having walked off the field unbeaten on 19 runs each at stumps on Day 1, had the critical task of not just stemming the flow of wickets but also building a substantial lead. Their partnership became the linchpin of India’s first innings.
Ravindra Jadeja: Known for his exceptional all-round capabilities, Jadeja’s batting prowess has evolved significantly, making him an invaluable asset for India, particularly in overseas Tests. He consistently demonstrates remarkable composure and a unique ability to bat effectively with the lower order, adding crucial runs that often prove to be match-changing. His batting style, a judicious blend of watchful defense and well-timed aggressive strokes, makes him a challenging batsman to dislodge once he settles in. Jadeja’s extensive experience was instrumental in navigating the early morning conditions and the threat of the second new ball. His capacity to rotate the strike efficiently and capitalize on any loose deliveries from the English bowlers was essential in maintaining scoreboard momentum.
Shardul Thakur: Affectionately dubbed ‘Lord Thakur’ by fans for his uncanny knack of picking up vital 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 cultivated a reputation for playing fearless, attacking cricket, often launching counter-offensives that can dramatically shift the momentum of a Test match. His partnership with Jadeja was critical not only for accumulating runs but also for frustrating the English bowlers, forcing them to toil harder and potentially tiring them out before the second new ball could be fully utilized. Thakur’s aggressive yet calculated approach, if executed effectively, had the potential to rapidly add vital runs to India’s total, pushing them towards a commanding position.
Their ability to withstand the initial onslaught from England’s pacers, particularly with the second new ball becoming available early on Day 2, was the defining factor in how strong India’s first innings total would ultimately become.
The Quest for First Innings Lead: India’s Strategic Imperative
With India resuming at 264 for four, the primary objective for Day 2 was unequivocally to establish a substantial first innings lead. England’s eventual first innings total would serve as the benchmark, and India aimed not just to surpass it, but to build a comfortable cushion that would exert immense pressure on the hosts. A lead in the range of 100-150 runs would be considered excellent, providing India with a significant psychological advantage and enabling their bowlers to attack with greater freedom and confidence in England’s second innings.
The pitch at Old Trafford, while appearing relatively flat on Day 1, was expected to offer more assistance to both spinners and pacers as the match progressed and the surface wore down. This inherent characteristic of the pitch made a large first innings total even more critical for India’s strategic planning. The batting depth of the Indian side was tested, especially given the uncertain status of Rishabh Pant following his injury. Therefore, significant contributions from Washington Sundar and the remaining tailenders were also crucial, should Jadeja and Thakur fall early. The early session on Day 2 was undeniably pivotal in setting the tone for India’s innings and their determined pursuit of a commanding lead.
Rishabh Pant’s Injury: A Lingering Concern for India
The injury sustained by Rishabh Pant on Day 1 remained a significant concern for the Indian team as Day 2 commenced. The painful blow to his right foot forced him to retire hurt, and he was immediately sent for scans to assess the extent of the damage. While an official update on his availability for Day 2 and the remainder of the Test was keenly awaited, initial indications suggested the injury could be serious. If Pant were unable to bat further or resume his wicketkeeping duties, it would necessitate a tactical reshuffle in India’s playing XI. Dhruv Jurel, who had capably taken over the gloves in the previous Test when Pant was nursing a finger injury, was the most likely candidate to step in. Pant’s unique aggressive batting style and his ability to score quick, game-changing runs are invaluable assets to the team, and his prolonged absence would undoubtedly be a major void to fill.
Overall Match Context: A Series on the Line
This fourth Test at Old Trafford is unequivocally a do-or-die encounter for the Indian team. Trailing 1-2 in the series, a defeat here would mean conceding the series to England, a disappointing outcome for a team that has shown flashes of brilliance. India also faces a challenging historical record at Old Trafford, having never secured a Test victory at this venue in previous attempts (with four losses and five draws). Overcoming this historical hurdle, coupled with England’s strong home advantage and their aggressive ‘Bazball’ approach, elevates the stakes of this contest to an extraordinary level. The performance on Day 2, particularly in the crucial first session, was always going to be instrumental in dictating the momentum of the IND vs ENG live match and could ultimately prove decisive in the context of the entire Test series.
Conclusion: A Day of Opportunities and Challenges
Day 2 of the India vs England Test at Old Trafford promised and delivered a captivating display of Test cricket. With Ravindra Jadeja and Shardul Thakur at the crease, India seized the opportunity to build a formidable first innings total and establish a crucial first innings lead. However, they had to contend with the early morning Manchester weather, a determined English bowling attack, and the lingering uncertainty surrounding Rishabh Pant’s injury. The collective performance on this day significantly influenced the direction of this Test match and, by extension, the fate of the series. All eyes remained on Manchester as the battle for supremacy continued, with India’s ‘Mustang Pair’ leading the charge.