Zak Crawley says Ben Duckett is 'phenomenal' as England take upper hand over India in Old Trafford Test
Published 24/07/2025 at 21:02 GMT+1
England have taken the upper hand in the fourth Test against India at Old Trafford. Ben Stokes took five wickets as India were bowled out for 358. England then finished on 225-2, thanks largely to an opening partnership of 166 between Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett. Crawley called Duckett "a phenomenal player" after the close of play in Manchester.
Stokes: There was 'always going to be a moment' when England and India 'clashed'
Video credit: TNT Sports
Zak Crawley called Ben Duckett a "phenomenal player" after the pair helped England to take the upper hand in the fourth Test against India at Old Trafford.
Crawley, who made 84, and Duckett, with 94, put on 166 for the opening wicket as England replied to India's 358 with 225-2 at the end of the second day in Manchester.
A first five-wicket haul in eight years from Ben Stokes saw the hosts make a fine start on Thursday morning, and then the batters helped establish an advantage.
"We're in a good place, I'm very happy," Crawley told the BBC. "I'm happy with the way I played, obviously you always want more.
"It was great batting with Ben Duckett out there and putting some pressure on them.
"We're very happy, it looks like the pitch is going to get worse and worse, we just want to bat well and get a lead.
"It's going to be tricky in the fourth innings, it's going to be tricky for them as well. It would be nice to get a lead tomorrow.
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"I felt much more relaxed out there and put myself in a good headspace. I love batting with Ducky [Duckett], he's a phenomenal player and we have a laugh out there but also, we're talking about the game. I really enjoy batting with him."
Stokes claimed three of the six India wickets to fall on Thursday, ending with figures of 5-72, while the returning Jofra Archer impressed again with 3-73.
Then, it was very much the Crawley and Duckett show, paving the way for England to try and overtake India and build a lead on Friday, as they aim for a victory that would clinch the series.
"There is a bit more pace and carry here which suits my game," Crawley added.
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Zak Crawley celebrates his half century at Old Trafford on Thursday
Image credit: Getty Images
"I feel I don't have to hit it too hard or think so much and that was the case today.
"I feel I can react and play against the quicker guys, while I took some deep breaths today to keep me relaxed. I was fuming to get out, but it is what it is."
Meanwhile, it was announced on Thursday that England's men will play New Zealand in three Tests next summer, at Lord's, the Oval and Trent Bridge. They will then face Pakistan for three Tests, at Headingley, Lord's and Edgbaston.
England's women will have a one-off Test next summer, against India at Lord's.
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