Cricket fans are on edge as the fifth and final Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 2025 heads for a dramatic climax at London’s Kennington Oval. At stumps on Day 2, India finished their second innings at 75/2 in 18 overs, leading England by 52 runs and setting the stage for an exciting third day.
Day 2 Highlights: India Bounces Back in Second Innings
After England took a slender first-innings lead of 23 runs—scoring 247 in response to India’s 224—India’s openers faced tremendous pressure. But young sensation Yashasvi Jaiswal staged a stunning counterattack, smashing 51* off just 49 balls (7 fours, 2 sixes) and keeping the scoreboard ticking. Jaiswal’s aggressive intent put England’s disciplined bowlers on the defensive, helping India recover from the early blows.
KL Rahul (7) fell early, offering a catch to Joe Root off Josh Tong, while Sai Sudarshan managed just 11 before G.P. Atkinson trapped him LBW. However, Akshdeep (4*) provided stable support as Jaiswal closed the day unbeaten.
First Innings Recap: England Take Early Edge
England’s Zak Crawley hammered a brisk 64 (14 fours) to anchor his side, while Ben Duckett (43 in 38 balls), Ollie Pope (22), Joe Root (29), and Harry Brook (53) combined for important contributions, lifting England to 247 in 51.2 overs. Their start was electric, with an opening stand of 92 runs.
For India, fast bowlers Mohammed Siraj (4/86) and Prasidh Krishna (4/62) dismantled England’s middle and lower order, clawing India back into the contest. Axar Patel took one wicket as spinner Ravindra Jadeja finished wicketless.
India’s First Innings: Middle Collapse Hurts Visitors
India’s batters struggled once again. Jaiswal was dismissed cheaply for 2, and only Karun Nair (57 off 109 with 8 boundaries) showed real resistance. Rahul (14), Gill (21), and Sudarshan (38) got starts but couldn’t convert, with team captain Shubman Gill’s run out stalling momentum further. England’s Gus Atkinson starred with the ball, picking up 5/33, while Josh Tong snared 3 wickets and Woakes chipped in with one.
Extras proved costly for England, with 38 runs gifted through wides, no-balls, byes, and leg byes. Still, their controlled bowling display delivered a vital advantage in this high-stakes clash.
The Road Ahead
With India at 75/2 and a 52-run cushion, the match is tantalizingly poised. The third day will be critical: India’s prospects hinge on building a formidable lead, while England will look to their bowlers for early breakthroughs.
Cricket lovers can expect more nail-biting action as the series decider approaches its finale—with both teams hungry to claim the prestigious trophy.
