In an action-packed Day 2 of the fifth Test at The Oval, India gained the upper hand over England. The day was marked by a flurry of wickets, with 15 falling and a total of 342 runs being scored. India's innings concluded at 224, and their bowlers then put on a stellar performance to dismiss England for 247, limiting their lead to just 23 runs. By the close of play, India had built on this momentum, reaching 75/2 in their second innings. With Yashasvi Jaiswal (51*) leading the charge and Akash Deep (4*) at the crease, India now holds a 52-run lead heading into Day 3.
India's strong retort to England on Day 2
Despite a rocky start to Day 2, India staged a remarkable comeback, ending the day with a crucial lead over England in the final Test. The morning session began poorly for India, as their innings, which had resumed at 204/6, collapsed in just 30 minutes, adding only 20 more runs. Gus Atkinson was the star for England, completing a five-wicket haul by wrapping up the tail. Karun Nair was the first to fall, followed by Washington Sundar, Mohammed Siraj, and Prasidh Krishna, with Atkinson claiming three of the four morning wickets.
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In their first innings, England's openers, Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett, launched an aggressive assault, putting on a rapid 92-run partnership in just 77 balls. Duckett displayed a fearless brand of cricket, even attempting a reverse scoop over the slips and a ramp shot for six. He eventually fell for 43 while attempting a similar shot, giving Akash Deep the breakthrough. Crawley, who had raced to his third fifty of the series off just 42 balls, was dismissed by Prasidh. England went into lunch at 109/1.
After lunch, India's bowlers took control of the match. Mohammed Siraj was particularly impressive, delivering a brilliant second spell in which he claimed three wickets for 35 runs in eight overs, dismissing Ollie Pope, Joe Root, and Jacob Bethell all via LBW. Prasidh Krishna provided excellent support, taking four wickets in total, including Jamie Smith, Jamie Overton, Gus Atkinson, and Harry Brook, to finish with figures of 4/62. England was eventually all out for 247, managing only a narrow 23-run lead. By the close of play, India had built on this momentum in their second innings, reaching 75/2. Yashasvi Jaiswal led the charge with an unbeaten 51, while KL Rahul (7) and Sai Sudharsan (11) fell cheaply. The umpires called stumps early due to bad light after Pope opted against continuing with spin bowling.
Now all eyes will be on Day 3 as the Oval Test is heading towards a thrilling finish.