London, (UNI) Fortunes swing wildly as India rode on Yashasvi Jaiswal’s audacious fifty to roar back on a volatile day two of the fifth Test at The Oval by bowling England out for 247 in their first innings and responding with an assertive 75/2 at stumps.
England, resuming post-lunch at a commanding 109/1, imploded spectacularly to 215/7 by Tea, undone by a relentless Indian bowling unit. Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna spearheaded the counterattack with sustained hostility and timely strikes.
Zak Crawley’s fluent 64 off 57 balls (14×4) ended with a mistimed heave off Prasidh, caught by Jadeja at mid-wicket — the moment that cracked England’s momentum.
Siraj, then claimed Ollie Pope leg before after a successful DRS challenge, and removed Joe Root soon after in a mirror dismissal — a sharp inswinger pinned him in front and India had their man.
Jacob Bethell was then undone by a searing yorker, falling LBW to Siraj.
Prasidh Krishna removed Jamie Smith with a rising delivery to second slip, and followed it up by trapping Jamie Overton LBW with a sharp in-dipper, a review confirming the wicket after England burned one earlier in the same over.
Harry Brook alone resisted with flair and fight. He struck Siraj for a stunning sweep-scoop six — reminiscent of Rishabh Pant — then raised his 50 in style with a pair through long-off. He reached 53 off 64 balls (5×4, 1×6), but fell in Siraj’s final over — an inside edge crashing into the stumps. Chris Woakes, nursing an injury, did not come out to bat, and England were bowled out for 247 in 51.2 overs.
Siraj (4/86) and Prasidh (4/62) led India’s charge, ably supported by Akash Deep and Jadeja’s pressure.
India’s response was full of intent. Despite the early loss of KL Rahul for 7 — caught by Root off Tongue after multiple teasing away-seamers — Jaiswal launched into England’s bowlers with authority.
He tore into Atkinson and Tongue with crisp drives, ramps, and cuts. His 50 came off 44 balls, capped with a ramp six over the keeper off Overton. England dropped him twice — Liam Dawson at long leg and Brook in slips — adding to their frustration.
Sai Sudharsan was edgy, surviving a dropped chance before falling LBW to Atkinson for 11. His review was in vain, and the dismissal sparked an exchange with Duckett, requiring intervention from Brook and Pope.
Akash Deep, sent in as nightwatchman, got off the mark with a boundary and remained unbeaten on 4 at stumps alongside Jaiswal (51*), who had taken India into the lead with a flurry of boundaries, including three in one over from Atkinson.
India closed the day at 75/2 in 18 overs, leading England by 52 runs, and Jaiswal looking ominous.
With Jaiswal in fine touch and the pitch easing out, Day 3 promises high-stakes drama in this finely poised series decider.
Score Summary: England 1st Innings: 247 all out in 51.2 overs (Brook 53, Siraj 4/86, Prasidh 4/62); India 1st Innings: 75/2 in 18 overs (Jaiswal 51*, Atkinson 1/26, Tongue 1/25). UNI BDN SSP
