India vs England 5th Test:Action-Packed Day 2 at Oval
The fifth and final Test between India and England at The Oval has moved at a dramatic pace despite rain and bad light cutting short play on both days. Fifteen wickets fell on Day 2, as the ball continued to dominate the bat. With momentum constantly shifting, India ended the day slightly ahead, leading by 52 runs, thanks to a solid start in their second innings and an all-round bowling effort earlier in the day. The match remains finely balanced, with both teams still in the hunt.
England Strike Early as Atkinson Shines
The day began with England striking hard. Gus Atkinson was the star of the morning, wrapping up India’s first innings quickly with a brilliant five-wicket haul. India added only 20 runs to their overnight total of 204, getting bowled out for 224. Atkinson used the overcast conditions smartly, removing the tail with disciplined line and length. Karun Nair, recalled in the Indian XI, made a composed 57.
England Openers Fire, But India Fight Back
In reply, England’s top order came out with positive intent. Ben Duckett looked sharp with a quick 43 off 38 balls, while Zak Crawley played the anchor role, making 64 with fluent strokeplay. The opening pair raced past 100 inside 15 overs, putting India under pressure.
However, India’s bowlers came storming back after the initial onslaught. Once Duckett fell to a loose shot, the visitors found their rhythm. Harry Brook also contributed 53. But regular wickets kept England from building a dominant total.
Siraj’s Fire Turns the Game
The turning point of the innings came through Mohammed Siraj, who delivered a hostile spell of fast bowling. He picked up four crucial wickets, dismissing Joe Root, Harry Brook, Bethal, and Ollie Pope. His reverse swing and aggressive approach rattled England’s middle order just as they were looking to push on.
From a strong position of 129 for 1, England collapsed to 244 all out, handing India just a 20-run deficit. Siraj’s 4-wicket haul was well-supported by tight spell from Akash Deep, who maintained pressure from both ends.
Jaiswal Steadies India in Second Innings
India’s second innings began under better weather conditions, with the sun finally breaking through. Yashasvi Jaiswal, who had missed out in the first innings, looked determined and composed. Despite the early dismissal of KL Rahul, who edged behind off Josh Tongue, Jaiswal remained unfazed.
He batted fluently and positively, showing smart shot selection on a tricky surface. Jaiswal was dropped twice—once by Harry Brook and again by Liam Dawson—but made the most of his chances to reach a brisk 51 off 49 balls, remaining unbeaten at stumps. India ended Day 2 at 72/1, holding a lead of 52 runs.
Oval Test Hanging in the Balance
After two days of absorbing cricket, there is still no clear front-runner. England dominated the morning session, but India came back stronger in the next two. With three days left, and both teams trading blows, the match could swing in any direction.
India will look to build on their lead and stretch it beyond 200, while England will aim for early breakthroughs on Day 3. With the pitch offering assistance to bowlers and the stakes high, fans can expect another thrilling chapter in this fiercely contested series.
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