Morning session: India’s lower order crumbles
India vs England Confident Epic Day 2 Oval India resumed on Day 2 at 204/6, but the tail failed to add anything substantial. Gus Atkinson, making a sensational return to Test cricket, tore through the lower order with 5/33 in 21.4 overs, wrapping up India’s first innings for just 224 adding a mere 20 runs from six wickets Karun Nair top‑scored with a gritty 57, supported by a brief 26 from Washington Sundar, but it wasn’t enough. India’s lower‑order inconsistencies continued to plague their cause
England’s reply: Bazball explosion & Indian counterpunch
India vs England Confident Epic Day 2 Oval
England’s openers, Ben Duckett (43) and Zak Crawley (64), came at India with full force blazing to a breathtaking 92‑run opening stand in just 12–13 overs, rewriting the record books with the fastest-ever Test fifty‑opening partnership (in seven overs) Duckett’s innings included a cheeky reverse hook six that epitomized the aggressive Bazball approach under coach Brendon McCullum
However, momentum swung sharply after lunch. Akash Deep struck early, removing Duckett, but it was India’s pace duo Mohammed Siraj (4/86) and Prasidh Krishna (4/62) who delivered a devastating comeback. England collapsed from 129/1 to 247 all‑out, with Siraj and Krishna sharing eight wickets between them Siraj reached a personal milestone, claiming his 200th international wicket when he trapped England captain Ollie Pope (22) LBW, with a review confirmation boosting India’s morale India vs England Confident Epic Day 2 Oval
The pace and accuracy from Siraj and Krishna earned them the headlines as the “brothers of destruction” while bowling under pressure on typically batting‑friendly surfaces India vs England Confident Epic Day 2 Oval
Afternoon into Tea: England bowled out, India go positive
India vs England Confident Epic Day 2 Oval
The collapse handed England a slender 23-run lead over India (247 vs 224) India responded aggressively in their second innings. The left‑handed opener Yashasvi Jaiswal raced to a stunning 44‑ball fifty, combining caution with audacious strokeplay seven fours and two sixes surviving not one but three drops early in his innings
Despite losing KL Rahul (7) to Josh Tongue and Sai Sudharsan (11) to Atkinson, India reached 75/2 at stumps, ahead by 52 runs Jaiswal carried his bat unbeaten at 51 from 49 balls, showing control and temperament after being dropped early on Akash Deep held firm as the night-watchman with a brisk 4 (2) to see out the day.
Off-field drama & intensity
India vs England Confident Epic Day 2 Oval
Tensions ran high throughout the day:
- Akash Deep drew criticism for an overly theatrical send‑off of Ben Duckett after dismissing him. Deep allegedly walked down, put his arm around Duckett and escorted him off the field, which commentators described as “immature” and “embarrassing”, and required teammates to restrain him.
- Later in the session, after Prasidh Krishna dismissed Zak Crawley, there was a brief verbal exchange involving Joe Root, prompting a team-level warning from umpires to India for dissent and pressure on the veteran England batter.
- Another flashpoint came when Sai Sudharsan, after edging and being given LBW, engaged in a heated stare‑down with Ben Duckett before being dismissed another vivid display of the heated atmosphere.
- Off the field, the day was emotionally marked as “A Day for Thorpey”, honoring the late Graham Thorpe. Players and fans donned headbands, and funds were raised for mental health work in his name adding solemn significance to the high‑octane cricket on display.
Looking ahead: Day 3—an intriguing contest
India vs England Confident Epic Day 2 Oval
India, trailing 2–1 in the series, have put themselves in a cautiously optimistic position: a 52‑run first-innings lead, a well-set Jaiswal, and momentum firmly in their favour. Day 3’s morning session will be vital England must strike early to claw back the lead, while India will look to keep Jaiswal, and eventually Gill, at the crease to solidify the position.
England, meanwhile, must regroup. Their explosive start was undone by poor shot selection and lack of discipline. Key bowler Chris Woakes has been ruled out with a shoulder injury, further disrupting their plans .
India vs England Confident Epic Day 2 Oval Pitch and weather will also play a part. Forecast suggests fair conditions, with overcast skies possibly offering swing early, which could aid Siraj and company if India send the second new ball early a strategy they might deploy to extend their control.
In summary
India vs England Confident Epic Day 2 Oval
- India bowled out for 224, with Atkinson’s 5‑wicket haul turning the morning tide.
- England raced to 92/0 with Bazball flair, only to collapse to 247 all‑out thanks to Siraj and Krishna’s fiery spells.
- Jaiswal’s unbeaten 51 in 44 balls, coupled with two early wickets, gave India a 52‑run lead at stumps on Day 2 .
- The day featured emotion, controversy, and momentum swings setting up a tense Day 3 where control and composure will be critical.
India vs England Confident Epic Day 2 Oval The 5th Test Day 2 at The Oval delivered cricket at its most compelling: raw energy, fierce competition, emotional memory, and tactical depth. India kept their hopes alive for a series‑leveling victory, while England face a daunting challenge to regroup and wrest back control. I’m happy to follow up with Day 3 previews, player ratings, or tactical breakdowns if you’d like.