Day 4 of the fourth Test between England and India witnessed a breathtaking moment as Ben Duckett pulled off a sensational fielding effort. His athletic brilliance left the crowd roaring and England’s players fired up at the iconic Old Trafford.

Ben Duckett pulls off a brilliant catch to dismiss Shardul Thakur

The drama unfolded in the 102nd over, a passage of play that encapsulated the tension and brilliance of high-level Test cricket. Ben Stokes, operating with purpose and rhythm, sent down a full-pitched outswinger that tailed away just enough to draw Shardul Thakur into a false stroke. Lured by the tempting width outside off, Shardul committed to a flamboyant drive, his bat slightly away from the body, the footwork not quite aligned. The ball kissed the outside edge and sped at catchable height towards gully.

What followed was nothing short of extraordinary. Duckett, stationed at gully, reacted in a flash. He launched himself to his left, fully airborne, and with razor-sharp precision, stuck out one hand to pluck the ball mid-flight. It was a catch that defied reaction time and physics—a moment of pure instinct and athleticism. The crowd erupted into a deafening roar, acknowledging the brilliance of the effort. England’s fielders sprinted toward Duckett, engulfing him in a sea of celebration, knowing they had broken a crucial resistance. Shardul Thakur, meanwhile, walked off to a warm round of applause. His innings of 41 off 88 deliveries was a spirited show of defiance, gritty, composed, and valuable

Here’s the video:

Outstanding catch from Ben Duckett to dismiss Shardul Thakur !! 🤯👏#INDvENG #INDvsENG #ENGvIND #ENGvsIND

pic.twitter.com/uJY28jwlCP

— Cricketism (@MidnightMusinng) July 24, 2025

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England wraps up the tail quickly as Indian innings finishes on 358 

England wasted no time cleaning up the Indian tail on Day 2, dismissing the visitors for 358. After Rishabh Pant, who battled bravely with an injured foot, was bowled by Jofra Archer for a valiant 54, the rest of the Indian lower order folded without much resistance. Archer and Stokes combined to take the final four wickets for just 21 runs, sealing a sharp turnaround for the hosts. The quick wrap-up gives England momentum as they prepare to respond with the bat. Earlier, India’s top order showed commendable composure. Yashasvi Jaiswal, Sai Sudharsan, and Pant all notched up fighting half-centuries, anchoring the innings despite regular breakthroughs. Their efforts helped India post a competitive total before the collapse. Now the reasonability lies on the bowler to ensure a lead for the visitors in the crucial Test.

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