Day 2 of the 5th Test at The Oval ended with England posting 247/9, securing a slender 22-run lead over India after a rain-hit evening session. Harry Brook top-scored with a gritty 50, while Josh Tongue remained unbeaten on 4.
England’s innings began with aggression as Zak Crawley (64) and Ben Duckett (43) powered a 92-run opening stand. But India hit back hard through Mohammed Siraj (4/83) and Prasidh Krishna (4/61), triggering a collapse from 195/4 to 235/8.
Brook held firm to anchor the innings, but lacked support from the lower order. With Chris Woakes absent due to injury, England effectively batted with nine.
India made a positive start in their second innings, reaching 75/2 in 18 overs at stumps. Yashasvi Jaiswal looked fluent once again, remaining unbeaten on 51 off just 49 balls, hitting seven fours and two sixes.
KL Rahul, however, failed to convert his start, falling for 7 to Josh Tongue, while Sai Sudharsan was trapped lbw by Gus Atkinson for 11. Nightwatchman Akash Deep came in late and struck a boundary in his brief stay.
With a healthy scoring rate of 4.17, India hold a slender edge, but the early dismissals mean the middle order will have to step up on Day 3.
Summary: India vs England 5th Test Day 2: Play Resumes After Rain Delay in Final Session
India end Day 2 at 75/2 with Jaiswal unbeaten on 51 and Akash Deep on 4. Sent as night watchman, Akash held firm as England pushed for a late wicket. With fading light, Pope declined the option to bowl spin, bringing play to an end.
India 70/2: Sudharsan falls for 11 to Gus Atkinson, while Jaiswal brings up his half-century
India race past fifty as Josh Tongue removes KL Rahul for 7. Sai Sudharsan opens his account with a leg glance for four off Tongue, while Yashasvi Jaiswal continues to dominate on 40 off 36 balls. After 12 overs, India are 55/1.
India lead by 6 runs as Jaiswal races to 25 off 20; KL Rahul steady on 3 off 22. India 29/0 after 7 overs.
Jaiswal opens his account with a crisp on-drive past Atkinson, then finishes the over with a classy cut through point. India reduce the deficit to 10, reaching 12/0 after 3 overs.
Trailing by 23 runs, India start their second innings with Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul at the crease as Gus Atkinson opens the bowling for England.
Chopped on! Siraj removes Brook as England declare at 247/9 with a 23-run lead, with Woakes unavailable to bat. Both Siraj and Prasidh Krishna finish with four wickets each in a strong bowling display by India.
Harry Brook fights hard with a gritty fifty as England reach 246/8 after 50 overs; Krishna and Siraj eye final breakthrough.