India, July 25 -- England's dominance in the fourth Test at Old Trafford was built on a solid foundation laid by their opening pair, Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett. After dismissing India for 358, the hosts seized control with a commanding reply, reaching 225/2 by the close of play on Day 2, still trailing by 133 runs. Crawley and Duckett combined for a crucial 166-run partnership; both openers came agonizingly close to centuries, with Duckett falling just six runs short and Crawley dismissed on 84.

Rishabh Pant's valiant effort - where he braved a toe fracture to return to bat on Day 2 and score a half-century - was overshadowed as England's openers capitalised on the conditions, punishing anything loose and steadily piling on runs. Howeve...