India Takes Control in Final Test Against England with Strong Bowling Performance
India's Dominance on Day Two
Mohammed Siraj, with figures of 4 wickets for 86 runs, and Prasidh Krishna, who also took 4 wickets for 62 runs, showcased exceptional bowling skills, restricting England to just 247 runs in their first innings. By the end of the second day of the fifth and final Test, India had established a lead of 52 runs, scoring 75 runs for the loss of two wickets in their second innings.
Opening batsman Yashasvi Jaiswal remained unbeaten on 51 runs, while nightwatchman Akash Deep contributed 4 runs. Jaiswal played aggressively, erasing England's 23-run lead, despite having two catches dropped. He completed his third half-century of the series with a six off Jamie Overton's short delivery, reaching the milestone in just 44 balls.
India lost KL Rahul (7) and Sai Sudharsan (11) early in their innings. Rahul fell victim to Josh Tongue after playing a loose shot, while Sudharsan was dismissed leg before wicket by Gus Atkinson just before stumps. Jaiswal hit three boundaries off Atkinson's opening over, including a stunning straight drive. Just before stumps, Zak Crawley missed a chance to catch Sudharsan.
Earlier, England was bowled out in the final session after Harry Brook's aggressive innings of 53 runs off 64 balls. Chris Woakes did not bat due to a shoulder injury, and England lost their ninth wicket at 247, finishing their first innings with a 23-run lead.
In the morning, India’s first innings ended quickly at 224 runs, losing their last four wickets for just 20 runs. Siraj made a significant impact in the afternoon session, taking three wickets in a brilliant spell of eight overs, helping India restrict England to 215 runs for seven wickets by tea. Rain interrupted play for a while after tea, during which England lost Gus Atkinson, who was dismissed by Krishna.
After the break, Siraj dismissed Brook (53 runs) to claim his final wicket. Both Siraj and Krishna took three wickets each in the second session, leading to the dismissals of key batsmen Joe Root (29 runs), Zak Crawley (64 runs), acting captain Ollie Pope (22 runs), and Jacob Bethel (6 runs). A heated exchange occurred between Root and Krishna during this period.
In the first session, England's openers scored quickly against the Indian bowlers. However, the Indian pace attack found their rhythm after the break. Crawley was caught out while attempting a pull shot off Krishna's delivery. The pitch continued to assist fast bowlers, with Siraj dismissing Pope and Root leg before wicket, and then getting Bethel out with an inswinging yorker.
Siraj's relentless efforts paid off, demonstrating his commitment to the game. Krishna also impressed, taking the wickets of Jamie Smith and Jamie Overton in the final over before tea.
After restricting England to 224 runs in their first innings, openers Crawley and Ben Duckett attacked the Indian bowlers aggressively. Duckett (43 runs) and Crawley scored freely, leading England to 109 runs for one wicket by lunch. The Indian trio of Akash Deep, Mohammed Siraj, and Prasidh Krishna struggled to find a strategy against the English openers. However, India found relief when they dismissed Duckett just 15 minutes before lunch.
Duckett was caught behind while attempting another reverse hit off Akash Deep's delivery. The English openers had scored 92 runs in just 77 balls. Crawley hit 12 boundaries, scoring five off Siraj's deliveries. He completed his half-century with a four off Akash Deep. Duckett played aggressively, executing a reverse scoop off Akash Deep and then hitting a six off Siraj's delivery. After Duckett's dismissal, Pope came to the crease and started with some cover drives.
Meanwhile, India, starting the day at six wickets for 204 runs, lost their remaining four wickets within the first 30 minutes, adding just 20 runs. Karun Nair (57 runs off 109 balls) and Washington Sundar (26 runs) were dismissed quickly, after which Atkinson sent the tailenders back to the pavilion. Atkinson took five wickets for England, while Josh Tongue claimed three.