Team India’s KL Rahul and Ravindra Jadeja were overheard discussing tactics to counter England opener Ben Duckett’s aggressive strokeplay on the off-side during Day 2 of the fourth Test at Old Trafford, Manchester. Known for his proficiency with the cut, pull, and reverse sweep, Duckett poses a constant threat, particularly when scoring square of the wicket.
Taking full advantage of favorable batting conditions and inconsistent bowling with the new ball, Duckett notched up his third half-century of the series, his first since the opening Test at Headingley. He got off to a brisk start, hitting three boundaries in debutant Anshul Kamboj’s very first over in Test cricket, and reached his fifty in just 46 balls.
As the fast bowlers couldn’t make an impact, Shubman Gill introduced spin after the 25th over. Jadeja was put under pressure early, giving away 11 runs to Crawley. Duckett started playing sweep shots and missed one outside off stump. KL Rahul then suggested bowling a tighter line to make him play straighter.
What's cooking here? 🤔@klrahul & @imjadeja seem to be setting up something special for Duckett. Will it work?#ENGvIND 👉 4th TEST, DAY 2 | LIVE NOW on JioHotstar 👉 https://t.co/Y3btplYguV pic.twitter.com/YhQHrIeIU7
— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) July 24, 2025
“Saamne maarta hi nahi hai yeh. Kabhi maara hi nahi hai saamne (He does not hit straight at all. He has never hit it straight),” Rahul said.
“Par theek hai na, toh kya faayda? (But this is fine, no? What’s the use?),” Jadeja replied.
“Udhar try kar ne de na isse accha (Better to make him play there instead of this),” Rahul added.
Ben Duckett fell for 94 soon after KL Rahul’s sharp catch removed Zak Crawley on Day 2
KL Rahul was instrumental in securing India’s crucial first breakthrough in the final session, taking a sharp catch at slip off Ravindra Jadeja’s bowling to send Zak Crawley back for 84. On the very first ball of the 38th over, Ben Duckett attempted his signature aggressive cut shot but was caught off guard by extra bounce from Anshul Kamboj.
The resulting edge flew to wicketkeeper Dhruv Jurel, giving the young pacer his first Test wicket.
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