LIVE India vs England 5th Test Day 1: India 204/6 in 64 Overs as Nair Hits Fifty, Sundar Solid Before Rain Ends Play

India finished Day 1 of the fifth and final Test against England at 204/6 in 64 overs after being asked to bat first on a rain-affected day at the Kennington Oval. The top order failed to convert starts into significant scores, but Karun Nair held firm with a gritty unbeaten fifty, guiding India to a respectable total at stumps.

Early Setbacks for India After England Opts to Bowl

England skipper won the toss and decided to bowl first in overcast conditions, and his pace attack caused early damage. Yashasvi Jaiswal (2 off 9) got trapped lbw by Gus Atkinson in the fourth over. KL Rahul (14 off 40) soon followed, bowled by Chris Woakes as India suffered 38/2.

Skipper Shubman Gill appeared effortless in his 21-run innings but failed to cash in, run out by a quick piece of fielding by Atkinson. The scoreboard was 83/3, and India required an alliance to steady the innings.

Sai Sudharsan’s Patient Knock Anchors Middle Order

Sai Sudharsan once again maintained his composure, scoring a hard-earned 38 off 108 balls with six boundaries. The left-handed batsman survived grim phases but ultimately edged one to the keeper from Josh Tongue. His partnership with Karun Nair, which totaled 45 runs, assisted India in surpassing the 100-run barrier.

Karun Nair’s Gritty Half-Century Leads Late Resistance

Karun Nair came to India’s rescue on a day when the top and middle order failed. His unbeaten 52 off 98 balls, which had 7 boundaries, was the pick of India’s innings. He also displayed great temperament, particularly after Ravindra Jadeja (9) and Dhruv Jurel (19) got out in quick succession.

With Washington Sundar (19*), Nair prevented India from crumbling totally and contributed a vital 51-run partnership for the seventh wicket. Since rain restricted play to only 64 overs, the pair will continue India’s innings on Day 2, hoping to add to the total.

England Pacers Excel Under Overcast Skies

The bowling attack of the hosts adhered to their strategy on a friendly surface. Gus Atkinson was the best bowler with returns of 2/31 from 19 overs of economy. Josh Tongue equaled him with 2/47, getting rid of primary batters Sudharsan and Jadeja. Chris Woakes contributed with Rahul’s wicket, while Jamie Overton and Jacob Bethell picked up no wickets.

Atkinson also made an impact in the field with a straight-drive that packed Gill off, emphasizing England’s all-round acuteness. 

What to Expect on Day 2

India will be looking to reach the 300-run mark with Karun Nair and Washington Sundar at the wickets. England will hope to finish the innings early, given their long tail, and take the upper hand. It will largely depend on how the pitch responds and if the weather does not intervene and cause interruptions to play.