India vs England, 5th Test at The Oval – Day 2 Review: Momentum Shifts, Milestones & Controversies
India vs England: The decisive Fifth Test between India and England at The Oval (Aug 1, 2025) saw dramatic swings of momentum. England began with a blistering opening stand but were pegged back by India’s pace duo. Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna ripped through the middle order as Akash Deep’s fiery send‑off added edge to proceedings. At stumps, England lead by just 23 runs, with the series hanging tantalizingly in the balance.
Morning Session: England Dominate Early
India resumed on Day 2 from 204/6, but collapsed to 224 all out within the first 34 deliveries.
- Gus Atkinson starred with 5/33, dismantling the Indian tail and collecting a brilliant run-out of Shubman Gill too.
- Mohammed Siraj’s earlier spells complemented Atkinson’s impact, exposing India’s batting frailties.
England’s Response: Lightning Fast Start
Cue the England openers:
- Zak Crawley (64)
- and Ben Duckett (43) unleashed an aggressive 92-run opening stand in just 13 overs, the fastest in their Test history.
- Duckett’s daring reverse-scoop for a six triggered hope—until Akash Deep struck back with a fiery short ball that got a nick.
India Fightback: Seamer Onslaught
Post-lunch phenomena shifted dramatically:
- Akash Deep dismissed Duckett with a brilliant new-ball short delivery—his animated send-off drew criticism and a stern word from the England dressing room.
- Prasidh Krishna backed up, removing Crawley with an edged pull and then grabbing two wickets in the same over before tea.
- Mohammed Siraj delivered a masterful spell: fingerprints on Pope’s, Root’s, and fellow pipeline youngster Bethell’s dismissals with seam movement and nipping cutters.
He took his 200th international wicket when Pope perished LBW via DRS decision.
By tea, India had claimed 6 wickets for 87 runs, reducing England from 129/1 to 215/7—dramatic reversal.
Late Session: England Hang On, Series in the Balance
- Harry Brook and lower-order resistance helped England finish at 247 all out, and take a slender 23-run lead over India’s 224.
- Brook’s gritty 53 off 57* added crucial late-resistance, while Jamie Smith and Overton showed fight.
- India’s fast bowlers returned with further blows to pull back the innings from collapse.
Stats & Highlights – India vs England
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| India 1st innings | 224 all out |
| England 1st innings | 247 all out → lead by 23 |
| Standout bowlers (Eng) | Gus Atkinson 5/33, India’s target speech |
| India attack | Siraj 4/86, Prasidh 3/51 |
| Key batters for Eng | Crawley 64*, Duckett 43 |
| Controversies | Akash Deep’s send-off vs Duckett |
| Milestone | Siraj captures 200th international wicket |
Why Day 2 Matters – India vs England
Turned Table
England’s morning dominance evaporated after lunch. India’s seam attack seized control and shifted the pressure back onto the hosts.
Series Momentum
England still lead the series 2–1, but their slender lead sets up a tight finish. A couple of sessions from this test can swing the coveted decider either way.
Drama & Discipline
Akash Deep’s send-off added emotional tension—reminding teams that aggression must be tempered in Test decorum.
Weather & Supervision
Persistent cloud cover and rain interruptions threatened play. Yet both sides pushed through with extended overs to make up lost time.
Former coach Ravi Shastri criticized India’s low session totals, saying their bowling revival was key but initial flatness nearly cost them.
Day 2 at The Oval delivered gripping contrast: England’s assaulting openers on one hand, India’s disciplined seam leadership on the other. Gus Atkinson’s instant impact, Siraj’s 200th wicket, and Krishna’s lethal accuracy reinvigorated a match that seemed slipping away for India by midday.
With England now ahead by just 23 runs and three wickets remaining, this Test is poised on a knife-edge. Predictably, Day 3 will be decisive—whether England can rebuild and seize the series, or India can push their chase and level the rivalry. Either way, Test cricket fans are in for a thrilling finish.
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