Cricket fans watched in disbelief as England’s middle order crumbled spectacularly on Day 4 of the 2nd Test, turning a tense contest into a potential disaster for the hosts! What looked like a promising chase quickly descended into chaos as England lost five wickets for just 47 runs, handing India the upper hand in dramatic fashion.
The collapse began when Joe Root, England’s most reliable batter, fell to a vicious Jasprit Bumrah inswinger that trapped him LBW — a dismissal that sent shockwaves through the English dressing room. From that moment, the pressure mounted rapidly. Ben Duckett, who had looked solid, was undone by a searing yorker from Bumrah that shattered his off-stump, exposing the middle order to a fired-up Indian attack.
One of the biggest triggers for England’s meltdown was their poor shot selection under pressure. Ollie Pope threw his wicket away chasing a wide delivery, edging to the slips, while Ben Stokes couldn’t handle Bumrah’s steep bounce and gloved a catch behind. Jonny Bairstow, who was expected to steady the innings, played down the wrong line to a delivery that nipped back sharply, leaving England’s fans stunned as wickets continued to tumble.
Adding to the chaos was India’s relentless intensity in the field. Virat Kohli, fielding at slip, led the charge with his energy, constantly egging on the bowlers and putting England’s batters under mental pressure. The pitch, too, offered variable bounce and reverse swing, amplifying the challenge for a middle order that looked rattled from the moment Root departed.
Experts were quick to criticize England’s approach. “They looked mentally shot after Root’s dismissal,” said Michael Vaughan on commentary, while Nasser Hussain pointed out the lack of composure and discipline in England’s shot-making. Social media buzzed with disbelief as fans lamented the sudden collapse, with many questioning whether England’s aggressive “Bazball” mindset had backfired at a crucial moment.
By tea, England had slumped from 98/2 to 145/7, still needing over 120 runs to win but left with only tailenders at the crease. The shocking collapse has now left India in the driver’s seat to claim a famous overseas victory.
Can England’s lower order defy the odds and salvage the match, or will India complete a stunning win sparked by this unforgettable middle-order meltdown?