India Stun England on Day Two of Heated Test Match

On Day Two of the final and decisive Test, India mounted a spirited comeback to claw their way back into contention in what has become one of the most thrilling cricket series in recent years. England, after bowling out India for a modest 224, seemed poised to dominate the match with a blazing start from openers Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett. However, India’s seamers responded with grit and discipline, limiting England’s lead to just 23 runs and keeping the match finely balanced.

The day began with India resuming their innings at 204-6, but their lower order collapsed quickly, lasting less than 30 minutes. Gus Atkinson, playing his first Test since May, ripped through the tail, claiming 5 wickets for 33 runs. Karun Nair was dismissed lbw for 57, Washington Sundar was caught for 26, and both Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna were dismissed for ducks. India folded for 224, squandering a promising start.

In reply, England came out all guns blazing with their trademark aggressive “Bazball” style. Duckett smashed a remarkable reverse hook for six off Akash Deep, and together with Crawley, raced to 92 without loss in just 12 overs. This included the fastest 50-run opening stand for England in Test history, achieved in only seven overs. However, the momentum shifted just before lunch as Duckett was caught behind for 43, attempting a reverse shot again. England were 109-1 at the interval.

India bounced back immediately after lunch. Crawley fell for 64, followed by Ollie Pope for 22. Joe Root tried to stabilize the innings but was dismissed lbw by Siraj for 29, followed soon after by Jacob Bethell with a similar dismissal. The Indian bowlers, especially Prasidh Krishna and Siraj, continued to chip away at England's lineup. KL Rahul took a stunning catch to dismiss Jamie Smith for 8 in the slips off Krishna’s bowling. Krishna then removed Jamie Overton lbw for a duck and cleaned up Atkinson, finishing with impressive figures of 4-62.

Harry Brook tried to resist with some late hitting, even as rain briefly interrupted play. He managed 53 before Siraj bowled him, marking Siraj’s fourth wicket of the innings. England were eventually all out for 247, with the injured Chris Woakes unable to bat, giving them a slender 23-run lead.

India’s second innings started confidently. Yashasvi Jaiswal looked aggressive and composed, scoring a rapid 51 not out by the close of play. He was dropped on 40 in the deep, giving India a crucial lifeline. KL Rahul fell for 7 to Josh Tongue, and Sai Sudharsan was lbw to Atkinson for 11. Akash Deep remained unbeaten on 4. India ended the day at 75-2, holding a 52-run lead.

With a bright weather forecast and the series tied, Saturday promises more thrilling cricket. A packed Oval crowd is expected as this riveting contest remains delicately poised with everything still to play for.