Shubman Gill‘s captaincy came under fire during Day 2 of the fourth Test at Old Trafford, but he had the last laugh as debutant Anshul Kamboj dismissed Ben Duckett in a key moment. Earlier, England had taken control of the match after bowling India out for 358. Their openers, Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett, added 166 for the first wicket, both falling just short of centuries.
As England cruised to 225/2 by stumps, Ricky Ponting questioned Gill’s decision to not bring Jasprit Bumrah back into the attack. Ponting, speaking on-air, said he was “very surprised” that Gill hadn’t used Bumrah with a new batter at the crease and India under pressure.
Kamboj Delivers Just When India Needed It Most
Instead of going with the experienced Bumrah, Gill brought back young Anshul Kamboj in the 37th over. It turned out to be a masterstroke. On his return, Kamboj dismissed Duckett, who was on 94, with a delivery that edged to the keeper Dhruv Jurel. The wicket broke England’s momentum and gave India a much-needed breakthrough late in the day.
Although England remain in a strong position, the timely strike gives India a chance to make inroads early on Day 3. With the series currently 2-1 in England’s favor, India will hope to build on this shift in momentum.
Rishabh Pant, who returned to bat earlier despite a toe fracture, remains uncertain for India’s second innings. His limited mobility means the team may have to fight on without one of their most aggressive batters. All eyes now turn to how Gill’s side capitalizes on Kamboj’s breakthrough.
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