India Fights Back Strongly in 5th Test: Siraj and Prasidh Shine with 3 Wickets Each, England 215/7 at Tea

On the second day of the fifth Test match of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy at The Oval in London, India made a strong comeback, thanks to some excellent bowling by Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna. Both bowlers took three wickets each, putting England under pressure as they ended the session at 215 runs for 7 wickets in 42.5 overs at tea.

England Started Strong But Collapsed After Lunch

Earlier in the day, England were in a good position with 109/1 at lunch, looking ready to take the lead. But the situation quickly changed in the afternoon session. The Indian bowlers bowled tighter lines, aimed better lengths, and focused on hitting the stumps more often. This smart and controlled bowling helped India take six wickets in the session.

Though England still have Harry Brook unbeaten at the crease on 33 runs, they are now 9 runs behind India’s first innings total and will hope he can guide them to a small lead.

How the Wickets Fell

• Zak Crawley, who scored 64 runs, struggled with timing and misjudged a pull shot off Prasidh, leading to a catch at mid-wicket.
• Just four overs later, Siraj bowled a sharp ball that beat Ollie Pope’s bat and hit him on the pads. The umpire first said not out, but India reviewed the decision and won it, as the ball was hitting the stumps.
• Joe Root and Harry Brook tried to steady things with a short 33-run partnership, but Siraj bowled another sharp delivery that hit Root on the pads. This time, England reviewed, but lost it, as the decision was correct.
• Siraj continued his great spell by getting Jacob Bethell out lbw with a fast inswinging yorker.
• Prasidh Krishna then took charge, getting Jamie Smith out with a fine delivery that edged to KL Rahul, who took a sharp catch at second slip.
• Right before the tea break, Prasidh struck again, trapping Jamie Overton lbw for a duck.

India’s First Innings Recap

India had earlier scored 224 runs in 69.4 overs, with Karun Nair scoring 57 and B Sai Sudharsan adding 38. For England, Gus Atkinson bowled very well and took 5 wickets for 33 runs, while Josh Tongue got 3 wickets for 57.

Where the Match Stands Now

At the tea break on Day 2:

• India: 224 all out
• England: 215/7
• India leads by: 9 runs

With England losing quick wickets and only a few batters left, India has turned the game in their favour after a tough start. The team will now aim to wrap up England’s innings quickly and build a stronger lead in the second innings.