England’s aggressive start from openers Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett lit up the second day of the series-deciding fifth Test, but a fiery spell from Mohammed Siraj and disciplined bowling from Prasidh Krishna brought India back into the contest at The Oval on Friday.
India, resuming at 204 for six after a rain-hit opening day, suffered an early collapse. The visiting side added just 20 runs in the first half hour before being bundled out for 224. Gus Atkinson completed a superb five-wicket haul, returning 5 for 33, while Josh Tongue supported with 3 for 57. Overnight batters Karun Nair (57) and Washington Sundar (26) were removed quickly, leaving India’s fragile tail exposed. The lower order once again offered little resistance, allowing England to take early control of the match.
England’s reply began with an onslaught on the Indian pacers. Openers Duckett and Crawley capitalised on the hard new ball and the greenish surface, racing to 92 for no loss in just 77 deliveries. Duckett, who made 43 off 38 balls, dominated with fearless stroke play. He danced down the track, executed audacious reverse scoops, and even ramped Siraj for a six. Crawley, at the other end, showcased classical drives, reaching his half-century with a boundary through third man.
The Indian attack, comprising Akash Deep, Siraj, and Prasidh Krishna, initially looked bereft of ideas as England reached 109 for one at lunch, trailing by 115 runs. Duckett eventually fell 15 minutes before the break, edging Akash behind while attempting another flamboyant reverse hit. His dismissal ended a rollicking opening partnership and gave India a glimmer of hope.
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The afternoon session brought a dramatic turnaround. Siraj returned with a fiery spell, extracting movement and bounce to rip through England’s middle order. He claimed three quick wickets, including Ollie Pope and Joe Root, and later dismissed Harry Brook for 53 in the evening session. Brook’s counter-attacking half-century briefly steadied England, but the hosts struggled to recover once he fell.
Prasidh Krishna complemented Siraj with tight lines, bagging four wickets of his own. The duo exploited the absence of Chris Woakes, who was unable to bat due to a shoulder injury. England’s aggressive start ultimately fizzled out, as they were dismissed for 247, taking a slender 23-run lead.
India’s second innings started with measured intent. YashasviJaiswal anchored the reply with a composed 51 not out, while KL Rahul (7) and debutant SaiSudharsan (11) fell cheaply. Akash Deep (4*) joined Jaiswal in the final overs as India reached 75 for two in 18 overs, effectively erasing the first-innings deficit.
With eight wickets in hand and a narrow lead to chase, India will aim to build a competitive target on day three. England, despite a strong start, will regret letting their early advantage slip under pressure from India’s spirited pace attack.
Day 2 Score Summary:
- India: 224 & 75/2 (Jaiswal 51*, Akash 4*; Atkinson 1/26)
- England: 247 all out (Crawley 52, Brook 53; Siraj 4/86, Prasidh 4/78)
- India lead by 52 runs with 8 wickets in hand
