To fully understand cracking mechanisms exhibited in next generation Li-ion batteries we must be able to decouple mechanically induced cracking triggered during manufacturing from cracking introduced under electrochemical control. Here we have presented a methodology by which the structure and integrity of the electrode and the particles can be preserved within a commercially relevant setting, for sequential imaging and electrochemical operation. Employing a unique electrode design, we have shown that it is possible to consecutively image the same RoI in both a pristine and charged state to directly monitor, extract and quantify cracks propagated due to electrochemical activity. This provides the first of its kind analysis on a commercial electrode (active NMC material within a CBD matrix), in a set up where the internal structure of the particles is imaged non-destructively, with sufficient resolution to resolve the intra-particle cracking.