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In a rare and nerve-jangling moment on Day 2 of the fourth Test at Old Trafford, England<\/strong> opener Ben Duckett<\/strong><\/a> narrowly avoided what could have been one of the most bizarre dismissals in modern Test cricket. The incident took place during the second over of England\u2019s innings, with young Indian debutant Ankush Kamboj<\/strong> steaming in from the James Anderson End.<\/p>\n Sharing the new ball alongside Jasprit Bumrah,<\/strong> Kamboj bowled a delivery just outside off stump that tempted Duckett into a cut shot early in his innings. In an attempt to carve the ball square on the off-side, Duckett shuffled across his crease to make room, but completely mistimed his shot. Not only did he fail to connect with the ball, but the bat also slipped out of his hands mid-swing. In a split-second turn of drama, the bat flew backward and landed dangerously close to the stumps.<\/p>\n The entire crowd held its breath as the bat thudded to the ground, just brushing past the leg stump, missing it by inches. Had it clipped the stumps even slightly, it would have led to an extraordinary hit-wicket dismissal, sending shockwaves through the English camp. Duckett immediately turned around in shock, realizing how fortunate he was. His expression said it all, a mix of relief and disbelief. Even the Indian fielders were momentarily stunned, as was Kamboj, who looked bemused by what had just transpired in only his second over of Test cricket. The incident drew a gasp from the commentators and a murmur of amusement from the Manchester crowd, many of whom clapped in appreciation of the sheer unpredictability of the moment.<\/p>\n Heart-in-mouth stuff for Ben Duckett\u2026 \ud83e\udee3<\/p>\n The England opener nearly drops his bat onto his own stumps \u2013 have you ever seen that before?! pic.twitter.com\/ylcRPDciNe<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Sky Sports Cricket (@SkyCricket) July 24, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n Also READ: <\/strong>ENG vs IND: Sachin Tendulkar salutes Rishabh Pant\u2019s warrior knock for India amid toe fracture on Day 2 of Manchester Test<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Day 2 of the Manchester Test belonged largely to England as their openers came out blazing in response to India\u2019s first-innings total of 358. After a gritty Indian batting display, highlighted by Rishabh Pant<\/a>\u2019<\/strong>s courageous fifty with a fractured foot and a five-wicket haul from Ben Stokes, England\u2019s openers Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett launched a counterattack that left India reeling. Duckett was particularly aggressive, reaching his fifty in just 46 balls and continuing to find boundaries at will. Crawley, more composed but equally effective, partnered for a mammoth 166-run opening stand before falling to Jadeja for 84. Duckett ultimately scored 94 before gifting his wicket to Kamboj by falling on a loose shot as England reached over 200. India\u2019s bowling lacked penetration, with Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj<\/strong> going wicketless and unable to make any impact.<\/p>\n Also WATCH: <\/strong>ENG vs IND: \u2018I am the best\u2019 \u2013 Karun Nair\u2019s football banter with Manchester United goes viral<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\nBen Duckett survives close call as bat nearly hits stumps on Day 2 of Manchester Test<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Here\u2019s the video:<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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England dominate Day 2 with aggressive start after India post competitive 358<\/strong><\/h2>\n