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Manchester: Shardul Thakur, the Indian pacer, expressed regret over not being able to capitalise on the opportunity presented by the new ball during the second day of the fourth Test against England at Old Trafford. Despite India having a chance to build on their lead when play resumed, the team struggled to extend their advantage, ultimately conceding ground to the English side.

The match, already a crucial one in the series, saw fluctuating fortunes for both teams. While the Indian batting line-up showed glimpses of brilliance, the bowling attack faced challenges in containing the English batsmen. Thakur, known for his ability to pick up crucial wickets, admitted that he felt he could have been more effective with the new ball.

“I felt I could have bowled better with the new ball,” Thakur stated in a post-match interaction. “The conditions were slightly challenging, but I believe I had the skill and the opportunity to put the English batsmen under more pressure. It’s something I’ll be looking to improve upon in the remaining matches.”

The Indian team’s performance on Day 2 was a subject of much discussion. Experts pointed out that the failure to build a substantial lead could prove costly in the long run. The Old Trafford pitch, known for its unpredictable nature, has been offering assistance to both pace and spin bowlers. However, India’s inability to consistently exploit these conditions has been a cause for concern.

Thakur’s admission highlights a potential area of improvement for the Indian team. With the series still on the line, the team will need to address this issue and find ways to maximise their bowling potential. The next few days will be crucial as both teams look to gain the upper hand in this high-stakes encounter.

The English team, displaying resilience, fought back strongly after facing early pressure from the Indian bowlers. Their batsmen demonstrated a solid understanding of the pitch conditions and managed to build partnerships that frustrated the Indian attack. The day ended with the English side in a relatively comfortable position, putting pressure back on the Indian team.

Looking ahead, Thakur and the rest of the Indian bowling unit will need to regroup and strategize to overcome the challenges posed by the English batsmen. With the series hanging in the balance, every wicket and every run will be vital in determining the outcome of the match and the series as a whole. The pressure is on, and the Indian team will need to deliver a strong performance to stay in contention for the coveted trophy.

The match is a testament to the competitive spirit of Test cricket, where fortunes can change quickly and the smallest of margins can make a big difference. The battle between India and England is far from over, and fans can expect more thrilling moments in the days to come.