Day 2 of the fifth and final Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy at The Oval delivered high drama, momentum shifts, and standout performances. England’s home hero Gus Atkinson stole the early spotlight, while India’s pace duo Mohammad Siraj and Prasidh Krishna powered a thrilling fightback. With the match finely poised, both teams are eyeing a decisive edge heading into Day 3.
Gus Atkinson Wrecks India’s First Innings
The morning session belonged entirely to Gus Atkinson. The fast bowler completed his maiden five-wicket haul in Test cricket, wrapping up India’s first innings within the opening 30 minutes of play. The visitors were dismissed for 224, adding just 20 runs to their overnight score.
Crawley-Duckett Launch England’s Aggressive Response
England’s reply was electric, with openers Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett putting together a blistering 92-run partnership off just 77 balls before Akash Deep claimed Duckett with a mistimed switch hit. The aggressive approach from England’s top order sent an early statement.
Zak Crawley continued his counterattack after lunch, scoring freely until Prasidh Krishna removed him in the 23rd over. Shortly after, Mohammad Siraj produced a lethal in-swinger to clean up stand-in captain Ollie Pope, who made 22 off 44 balls.
Siraj, Prasidh Turn the Tide Amid Heated Moments
Tempers flared during a tense exchange between Joe Root and Prasidh Krishna. Despite the drama, Root etched his name in the record books by surpassing Sachin Tendulkar to become the second-highest run-scorer in home Tests, trailing only Ricky Ponting by 358 runs, according to Times of India.
However, Root couldn’t carry on. Siraj’s unplayable delivery sent him packing, triggering a collapse. Harry Brook stood tall with a counter-attacking 53 off 64 balls, but England were eventually bowled out for 247 in 51.2 overs—securing a slender 24-run lead.
Siraj (4/86) and Prasidh (4/62) emerged as India’s heroes with the ball, leading a spirited second-session resurgence. Siraj becomes the leading wicket-taker in this Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy.
Rain Interrupts, But India Starts Second Innings Positively
The third session began with slight rain delays, but India’s second innings started confidently. Openers Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul stitched a promising 46-run partnership off 59 balls, providing early momentum.
However, England’s pace battery roared back. Josh Tongue broke through, followed by another sharp spell from Gus Atkinson, who continues to enjoy a dream Test match. India were forced to send in tailender Akash Deep before stumps, signaling a cautious end to the day.
Day 2 Summary at a Glance:
India 2nd Innings: 48/2 at stumps (Jaiswal 22*, Akash Deep 4*)
India 1st Innings: 224 all out
England 1st Innings: 247 all out (Zak Crawley 64, Brook 53, Siraj 4/57, Prasidh 4/59)