August 1, 2025, London — England seized control on Day 2 of the fifth and final Test at The Oval, bowling out India for just 224 runs in their first innings. The hosts, leading the series 2-1, won the toss and opted to bowl first—a decision that their disciplined pace attack emphatically justified.
India’s Batting Struggles
India faltered against England’s seamers from the very outset. Opener Yashasvi Jaiswal struggled to find his rhythm and was trapped lbw by Gus Atkinson for just 2 runs, setting the tone for a difficult morning. KL Rahul (14) soon followed, bowled by Chris Woakes as India lost both openers cheaply during the opening exchanges.
Despite valiant efforts from the middle order, India failed to establish substantial partnerships. Captain Shubman Gill managed only 21 before being run out by Gus Atkinson, while youngster Sai Sudharsan offered some resistance with 38 before falling to Josh Tongue.
The lone bright spot in the lineup was Karun Nair, who crafted a composed 57 from 98 deliveries, including 5 boundaries. He stood firm as wickets tumbled at the other end, but was eventually trapped lbw by Tongue as India’s tail was quickly exposed. Ravindra Jadeja (9), Dhruv Jurel (19), and Washington Sundar (26) also got starts but failed to convert them into significant scores.
Extras played a notable role, contributing 38 runs—including 16 wides and 12 byes—in a total of 224 from 69.4 overs.
England’s Bowlers Take Charge
England’s pace unit was relentless. Gus Atkinson led the way with 4 wickets for 33 runs in 21.4 economical overs, troubling India’s batsmen with both pace and movement. Josh Tongue was equally impressive, snaring 3 wickets for 57 runs. Chris Woakes and Jamie Overton chipped in with disciplined spells, keeping the pressure firmly on India throughout the innings.
The bowlers executed England’s plan to perfection, sharing wickets at key intervals and preventing any substantial Indian stand. Only Akash Deep remained not out on 0 as the Indian tail folded swiftly.
Match Context
With England already 2-1 up in the series and the advantage of bowling first in helpful conditions at The Oval, the hosts have put themselves in a commanding position. The English batsmen will now look to capitalize on this strong showing from their bowlers and build a substantial first-innings lead.
The match remains finely poised, but after Day 2’s opening session, it is clear that England hold the upper hand as they begin their reply to India’s modest total. The next sessions will be crucial in shaping the outcome of what promises to be a dramatic conclusion to this Test series.
