What happened on Day 2 of England vs India, 5th Test? All you need to know

Day 2 of the ongoing Oval Test turned into a thrilling spectacle as 16 wickets fell across the day. Resuming from an overnight score of 204/6, India had Karun Nair and Washington Sundar at the crease. However, the visitors had a nightmare start to the day, managing to add just 20 runs before getting bundled out for 224.

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Karun Nair scored 57 off 109 balls, while Sundar contributed 26 off 55. The Indian tail collapsed without resistance, with the team going from 220/7 to 224 all out. England’s Gus Atkinson starred with the ball, finishing with a five-wicket haul. Josh Tongue chipped in with three wickets, while Chris Woakes claimed one.

Before the day’s play began, England suffered a setback as Woakes was ruled out of the remainder of the Test due to a shoulder injury he picked up on Day 1 while saving a boundary. India, too, had a squad update — Jasprit Bumrah, who didn’t feature in the Test, was officially released from the squad by the BCCI.

India ended day two with a lead of 52 runs with eight wickets in hand

In reply, England’s openers Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett made a blazing start, tearing into the Indian bowling attack. The duo added 92 runs in just 12.5 overs. Duckett scored a quick 43 off 38 before falling, and by lunch, England were comfortably placed at 109/1.

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However, the second session brought a twist. The Indian bowlers, led by Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna, triggered a stunning collapse. England were reduced to 215/7 by tea, losing six wickets in a gripping passage of play. Crawley made 64 off 57, but the likes of Ollie Pope and Joe Root failed to convert their starts. Jacob Bethell and Jamie Smith offered little resistance.

Harry Brook, however, counter-attacked brilliantly, scoring 53 off 64 to push England past India’s total. They were eventually bowled out for 247 in just 51.2 overs. Siraj and Krishna took four wickets apiece, while Akash Deep added one to his name.

India began their second innings trailing by 23 runs but suffered early blows again. KL Rahul and Sai Sudharsan departed cheaply. By stumps, the visitors had reached 75/2, holding a slender 52-run lead. Yashasvi Jaiswal stood tall with an aggressive unbeaten 51 off 49 balls, while Akash Deep remained not out at the other end.

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England missed a few chances in the field that could have changed the complexion of the game. As Day 3 approaches, the match remains evenly poised, with both teams very much in the contest.

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