IND Vs ENG, 4th Test: Sanjay Manjrekar, Jonathan Trott Break Down India’s Struggles Ahead Of Day 3

Ben Duckett landed a heavy blow on India with a fluent 94, guiding England to 225 for two at stumps on Day 2 of the fourth Test in Manchester. With the bowlers struggling and conditions easing up, India lost control. As Day 3 approaches, JioHotstar experts Sanjay Manjrekar and Jonathan Trott weighed in on the shifting momentum, India’s tactical errors, Anshul Kamboj’s debut, and Rishabh Pant’s gritty knock.

Manjrekar, speaking on 'Match Centre Live', felt the match had transformed entirely between the two innings. “India were hard done by the weather gods,” he said.

“While they batted under grey skies and moisture, it was a completely different Test match when England came out. Even Jasprit Bumrah looked flat. So yes, India will be relieved they got those two wickets before stumps.”

Debutant Anshul Kamboj bore the brunt of Duckett’s assault, and Manjrekar noted how the young pacer was unfairly targeted. “Duckett just went after him because he was new. Kamboj’s action is clean, repeatable, and he’s got potential, but he can’t be bowling back of a length at under 130 kph at this level,” he observed.

India’s bowling plans came under scrutiny too, especially the delay in bringing Ravindra Jadeja into the attack. “Perhaps spin should have come on earlier,” Manjrekar suggested. “Shardul Thakur was erratic, and Bumrah didn’t look the same. When you know conditions won’t help seam, the management needs to be proactive.”

Pant’s innings also drew praise from the panel. Manjrekar admired his intent. “He clearly had a plan. He wasn’t there to just survive. The six he hit showed purpose, and when he got out to a beauty, you could see the disappointment. He expects more from himself.”

Jonathan Trott Assesses England’s Advantage Ahead Of Day 3

Jonathan Trott, meanwhile, said England were now in a position to dominate, but warned against complacency. “The toss gave England the edge. At Old Trafford, Day 2 and Day 3 are great for batting,” he said. “But they must nail the first hour on Day 3. If India get it right with the new ball, especially with some morning cloud cover, they’re back in it.”

As things stand, England trail by just 133 runs with eight wickets in hand. The third day could be decisive, either the final blow or a spirited fightback.