The fifth Test match of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy at The Oval in 2025 has lived up to its billing as a series decider, with Day 2 delivering a captivating blend of aggressive batting, disciplined bowling, and dramatic momentum shifts. A total of 15 wickets fell, and by stumps, India had seized a slender lead, setting the stage for an enthralling continuation of this fiercely contested match.
The day began with India resuming their first innings at 204 for 6, only to be bowled out for 224, thanks to Gus Atkinson’s exceptional five-wicket haul. England’s response was explosive, with Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett racing to 92 runs in just 13 overs, but a spirited fightback from India’s pace duo, Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna, saw England collapse to 247. In their second innings, India reached 75 for 2, led by Yashasvi Jaiswal’s aggressive 51 not out, securing a 52-run lead at the close of play.
India’s Batting (First Innings)
India’s first innings concluded swiftly on Day 2, adding just 20 runs to their overnight score of 204 for 6. Karun Nair, who had anchored the innings with a patient 57, was the first to fall, trapped lbw by Josh Tongue’s sharp inswinger. Washington Sundar succumbed to a well-executed short-ball trap from Gus Atkinson, caught at deep square leg by Jamie Overton. The tail offered little resistance, with Atkinson dismissing Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna in quick succession to complete his fourth five-wicket haul in Test cricket, finishing with figures of 5 for 33. India’s total of 224 left them vulnerable, but their bowlers would soon turn the tide.
Pic Credits: ESPNcricinfo
England’s Bowling Performance
England’s bowling attack was clinical in the morning session, exploiting the conditions to wrap up India’s first innings in just 34 deliveries. Gus Atkinson was the standout performer, finishing with 5 for 33, his pace and movement proving too much for India’s lower order. Josh Tongue complemented Atkinson with a fiery spell, claiming Nair’s wicket with a delivery that nipped back sharply. Despite an erratic start, Tongue’s figures of 3 for 53 underscored his potential, though his chaotic approach drew attention. England’s disciplined bowling set the stage for their batsmen to take control.
Pic Credits: ESPNcricinfo
England’s Batting Effort
England’s first innings began with a blaze of aggression, as openers Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett tore into the Indian bowling attack. Crawley’s 64 off 57 balls, including 14 fours, was a masterclass in attacking strokeplay, while Duckett’s 43 off 38 balls featured two audacious sixes off Siraj. Their 92-run partnership in 13 overs put England in a commanding position, reaching 109 for 1 by lunch. However, the post-lunch session saw a dramatic collapse, triggered by India’s pace bowlers.
Akash Deep dismissed Duckett, and Siraj removed Ollie Pope, Joe Root, and Jacob Bethell in quick succession. Harry Brook’s counter-attacking 53, including a six off Siraj, provided resistance, but his dismissal—dragging a ball onto his stumps—marked the end of England’s fight. Prasidh Krishna’s 4 for 62, including Crawley’s wicket, and Siraj’s 4 for 86 completed England’s downfall at 247, giving them a 23-run lead.
India’s Bowling Response
India’s bowling unit, which appeared jaded in the morning, staged a remarkable comeback after lunch. Mohammed Siraj, the series’ leading wicket-taker with 18 wickets, led the charge with a fiery eight-over spell that yielded 3 for 35, dismissing Pope, Root, and Bethell with late movement and low bounce.
Prasidh Krishna, replacing Jasprit Bumrah, matched Siraj’s haul with 4 for 62, his best Test figures, including the crucial wicket of Crawley. The duo’s ability to bowl fuller lengths and exploit the pitch’s assistance was pivotal, as England lost their last eight wickets for 118 runs. Akash Deep and Ravindra Jadeja supported the pace attack, with Deep claiming Duckett’s wicket and Jadeja taking a sharp catch. India’s fielding, including KL Rahul’s catch at second slip, complemented their bowling resurgence.
India’s Batting (Second Innings)
India’s second innings began with a cautious approach, trailing by 23 runs, but Yashasvi Jaiswal soon shifted gears. His unbeaten 51 off 49 balls, including seven fours and two sixes, was a game-changer, though he was fortunate to survive two dropped catches—by Harry Brook at 20 and Liam Dawson at 40.
KL Rahul scored 7 before edging Josh Tongue to Joe Root at slip, and B Sai Sudharsan made 11 before being trapped lbw by Atkinson in the final over. Nightwatchman Akash Deep, unbeaten on 4, saw out the day alongside Jaiswal, as India reached 75 for 2, securing a 52-run lead. The innings was cut short by bad light, but India’s aggressive intent, led by Jaiswal, put them in a strong position.
Pic Credits: ESPNcricinfo
Looking Ahead
As Day 3 dawns, India hold a slight advantage with a 52-run lead and eight wickets in hand. The pitch, already showing signs of deterioration, is likely to offer more assistance to bowlers, making Jaiswal’s continued aggression crucial for India to set a challenging target. England, hampered by Chris Woakes’ absence due to a suspected dislocated shoulder, will rely on Atkinson and Tongue to strike early and limit India’s lead. The match remains finely poised, with both teams aware that any significant lead could prove decisive. Weather interruptions, which affected Day 2, may continue to play a role, but the next two days promise intense cricket as the series hangs in the balance.
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