On Day 2 of the fourth Test match between India and England at Old Trafford, Manchester, Ben Duckett delivered a scintillating performance that epitomized his reputation as a “master blaster.” Ben Duckett‘s aggressive batting not only entertained the raucous Old Trafford crowd but also laid the foundation for England’s dominant position, as they ended the day at 225/2 in 46 overs, trailing India’s first-innings total of 358 by just 133 runs.
Ben Duckett’s Explosive Innings
From the outset, Duckett was in an attacking mood, taking on India’s bowling attack with confidence and flair. Partnering with Zak Crawley, he forged a formidable 166-run opening stand, their fifth century partnership since forming their opening pair in late 2022. This partnership was a masterclass in complementary batting, with Duckett’s aggressive strokeplay setting the tone. He raced to 94 runs off just 100 balls, striking 13 boundaries with a combination of crisp drives, audacious cuts, and well-timed pulls. His ability to find gaps and score at a brisk pace put India’s bowlers, including the experienced Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj, on the back foot.
Duckett’s innings as a return to his “typical friskiness,” with punchy cuts and clips reminiscent of his 149-run knock in the previous Test at Leeds. His performance was a continuation of his fine form in the series, showcasing his consistency and ability to dominate opposition bowlers. The 166-run stand with Crawley, completed in just over two hours, was a testament to their synergy and England’s aggressive batting philosophy under Ben Stokes’ leadership.
However, Duckett’s quest for a century was cut short in dramatic fashion. Attempting to cut a delivery from debutant Anshul Kamboj in the 39th over, he edged the ball to wicketkeeper Dhruv Jurel, who took a straightforward catch. The dismissal, left Duckett visibly disappointed, his eyes fixed on the ground as he trudged off the field. Despite falling six runs short of a century, his 94 was a pivotal contribution, helping England reach 197/2 at one stage and maintain their grip on the match.
Adding to the intensity of Duckett’s performance was a heated verbal exchange with Mohammed Siraj during the third session. Siraj, who struggled with figures of 0/58 in 10 overs, lost his temper and engaged in a fiery confrontation with Duckett, prompting the umpire to intervene. The incident, captured on video and shared by Star Sports on social media, went viral, highlighting the pressure Duckett’s aggressive batting exerted on the Indian team. Such moments, while controversial, are part of the competitive spirit of Test cricket and underscored the impact of Duckett’s innings.
Tempers flared between Ben Duckett and M. Siraj. 🔥#ENGvIND 👉 4th TEST, DAY 2 | LIVE NOW on JioHotstar 👉 https://t.co/Y3btplYguV pic.twitter.com/MmTP86rXNU
— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) July 24, 2025
Ben Duckett’s performance was not an isolated moment of brilliance. Coming off a 149-run masterclass in the previous Test at Leeds, he has emerged as a cornerstone of England’s batting lineup. His ability to score quickly and disrupt bowling attacks makes him a vital asset, particularly in a series that remains finely balanced. Duckett’s whirlwind innings, combined with Crawley’s 84, allowed England to race to 225/2, setting a bumper platform for the likes of Ollie Pope and Joe Root to build on.
Ben Duckett’s 94 on Day 2 of the fourth Test was a display of aggressive batting that lived up to his “master blaster” moniker. His boundary-laden innings, significant partnership with Crawley, and ability to unsettle India’s bowlers were pivotal in England’s dominant day. While the missed century and the altercation with Siraj added drama, Duckett’s performance will be remembered as a defining moment in the match, with the potential to shape the series’ outcome.
Also Read: ENG vs IND: Ben Duckett’s Stellar Knock Highlights England’s Dominance On Day 2