India vs England 5th Test: The fifth and final Test between India and England at The Oval took a dramatic turn on Day 2 as 16 wickets fell, shifting the momentum several times throughout the day.
Thanks to brilliant bowling spells from Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna, India bounced back strongly to end the day with a 52-run lead, finishing at 104/2 in their second innings.
This high-stakes match, part of the ICC World Test Championship 2025 cycle, has now become a thrilling contest between two evenly matched sides.
Table of Contents
- India’s Lower Order Collapses Early
- England Start Strong but Crumble After Lunch
- Mohammad Siraj and Krishna Engineer England’s Collapse
- India’s Second Innings: A Steady Start Despite Early Losses
- Chris Woakes’ Injury a Blow for England
- What to Expect on Day 3?
- Key Highlights—Day 2, India vs England 5th Test:
- Score Summary After Day 2:
India’s Lower Order Collapses Early
India resumed Day 2 at 204/6, aiming to stretch their first innings total beyond 250. However, England’s pacers had other plans. Karun Nair, who anchored India’s innings with a gritty 57, fell early to Josh Tongue, trapped lbw. What followed was a quick collapse.
Gus Atkinson, England’s most effective bowler this series, picked up the last three wickets and completed his fourth five-wicket haul in Test cricket, helping bundle out India for 210. India lost four wickets for just six runs, wasting the platform they had built on Day 1.
England Start Strong but Crumble After Lunch
England’s openers — Ben Duckett and Zak Crawley — came out firing, racing to 100 runs inside 15 overs. Their aggressive approach put India on the back foot, and Crawley, in particular, looked in sublime form.
Duckett was dismissed for 43, but Crawley continued his assault and notched up a quick-fire 64. At that stage, England looked set to take a massive first-innings lead. However, the script flipped dramatically post-lunch.
Mohammad Siraj and Krishna Engineer England’s Collapse
With the ball swinging and the pitch offering variable bounce, India’s pace duo of Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna turned the tide.
- Siraj, who had a forgettable first spell, returned with four crucial wickets in an inspired eight-over burst. He dismissed Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Jacob Bethell, and Harry Brook, and in the process became the leading wicket-taker of the series with 18 wickets.
- Brook tried to hold one end, scoring a fighting 53, but Siraj eventually got him too.
- Krishna struck at the other end, removing the set Crawley, and later wiped out the tail by dismissing Jamie Smith, Jamie Overton, and Gus Atkinson.
From 100/1, England collapsed to 247 all out, gaining only a 23-run lead. It was a brilliant comeback by India’s bowlers who stuck to tight lines and forced mistakes from England’s batters.
India’s Second Innings: A Steady Start Despite Early Losses
India’s second innings began cautiously but not without setbacks. Openers KL Rahul (10) and Sai Sudharsan (13) fell early to Tongue and Atkinson, respectively.
However, Yashasvi Jaiswal, India’s most reliable batter this series, stood tall under pressure. Despite a dropped chance on 41, he went on to score a classy 51 by stumps*, anchoring the innings alongside nightwatchman Akash Deep.
At close of play, India reached 104/2, effectively 52 runs ahead. On a pitch that’s beginning to show signs of wear, every run from here will be crucial.
Chris Woakes’ Injury a Blow for England
England suffered a major setback earlier in the day with pacer Chris Woakes ruled out of the match due to a shoulder injury sustained on Day 1. His absence means England are a bowler short, putting extra pressure on Atkinson, Tongue, and Overton.
Woakes’ unavailability could significantly impact England’s ability to restrict India in the second innings, especially if Jaiswal continues to pile on the runs.
What to Expect on Day 3?
The match is beautifully poised. If India can stretch their lead to 200+, they will back their spinners and pacers to defend it on a deteriorating wicket. England, meanwhile, will look to strike early and expose the Indian lower order.
With two full days left and both teams eyeing a series win, The Oval Test promises a thrilling finish.
Key Highlights—Day 2, India vs England 5th Test:
- Mohammed Siraj: 4/59 – top wicket-taker of the series (18 wickets)
- Prasidh Krishna: 4/58 – broke key partnerships and cleaned up tail
- Gus Atkinson: 5/61 – continued his dream run in Test cricket
- Harry Brook: 53 – lone resistance in England’s innings
- Yashasvi Jaiswal: 51* – stabilizing force for India under pressure
Score Summary After Day 2:
- India 1st Innings: 210 (Karun Nair 57, Atkinson 5/61)
- England 1st Innings: 247 (Brook 53, Siraj 4/59, Krishna 4/58)
- India 2nd Innings: 104/2 (Jaiswal 51*, Rahul 10, Sudharsan 13)
India led by 52 runs with 8 wickets in hand.
Conclusion
As things stand, the 5th Test between India and England is on a razor’s edge. With momentum shifting rapidly and individual brilliance on full display, this match could go down to the wire. Both teams have match-winners and proven performers, but it will be about handling pressure and executing under crunch moments.
Day 3 will likely decide the direction this series takes, and fans can expect intense cricket and plenty of drama.Also Read: IND vs ENG: Big blow to the English team, Chris Woakes ruled out of…