IND Vs ENG, 4th Test: Zak Crawley's Enthusiastic Appeal Steals Spotlight On Day 1 At Old Trafford; Video
England opener Zak Crawley stole a bit of the spotlight on Day 1 of the fourth Test at Old Trafford with his animated and passionate appeal from the slip cordon. The moment came when Indian opener Yashasvi Jaiswal was struck on the pads early in the innings, sparking a loud LBW shout from the English bowlers and an even louder, more energetic reaction from Crawley.
As the ball thudded into Jaiswal’s pads and the bowler turned around to appeal, Crawley was seen bouncing up and down with excitement, arms raised and voice ringing out, demanding the wicket with the kind of enthusiasm rarely seen even in high-pressure Test moments. The appeal caught the attention of fans both in the stadium and watching around the world.
Ultimately, the umpire was unmoved, and England chose not to review. But Crawley’s exaggerated appeal was already a highlight that underlined England’s energy and eagerness in the field as they looked to seal the series.
Crawley’s gesture quickly made its way across social media, with fans and commentators alike noting the England batter’s almost cartoonish enthusiasm. While the appeal didn’t result in a wicket, it reflected the sharp intent with which England began proceedings after choosing to bowl first under overcast skies.
'Don't Lose More Than...': Ravi Shastri Shares Key Strategy For India To Level Series Against England At Old Trafford; Video
With the fourth Test between India and England underway at Old Trafford, former India head coach Ravi Shastri shared key insights on what the visitors must do to stay alive in the five-match series. England, currently leading 2-1, have won the toss and opted to bowl first under overcast Manchester skies, a setting tailor-made for seam and swing bowling. Shastri believes India can still bounce back, but the challenge begins right from the opening session.
Speaking ahead of the Test, Shastri emphasized the importance of surviving the initial burst from England’s fast bowlers. “They (India) could have been 3-0 up for all you know, but they’ll have to work hard in the first session,” Shastri said. “Our first time getting close to English conditions, you know it’s overcast, there’s a bit of grass on the surface, there’s pace around in the form of Jofra Archer. So their main aim would be those first 30 overs. Don’t lose more than three wickets, then take it from there.”
India’s top order has been under scrutiny throughout the series, with collapses at key moments derailing promising starts. In such conditions, negotiating the new ball with discipline and intent could set the tone for the rest of the innings. Shastri’s assessment reflects the urgency of a solid foundation, especially when playing under a sky thick with clouds and a pitch with live grass, a bowler’s dream and a batter’s trial.
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