India Fights Back on Wild 15-Wicket Day
In what can only be described as a chaotic and thrilling day of Test cricket, the momentum swung wildly between England and India before the visitors ended the day firmly in control. A total of 15 wickets fell on a dramatic second day at The Oval, but it was India who finished with a crucial lead of 52 runs, turning the game on its head after a difficult start.
England Dominate, Then Collapse
The day began with England looking unstoppable. Seamer Gus Atkinson, playing on his home ground, made light work of India's lower order, claiming a five-wicket haul (5-33) to bundle the visitors out for 224. England's openers, Zak Crawley (64) and Ben Duckett, then launched a blistering assault. They raced to 92 in just 77 deliveries with a display of aggressive batting that left India's bowlers reeling. At the lunch break, with England comfortably placed at 109 for 1 and trailing by only 115, they seemed destined to build a commanding first-innings lead.
However, the game transformed completely after the interval. Led by a fiery and inspirational spell from Mohammed Siraj (4-86), India tore through England's top and middle order. Siraj removed key players like Ollie Pope and Joe Root in quick succession. He was brilliantly supported by Prasidh Krishna (4-62), who maintained the pressure from the other end. The hosts collapsed spectacularly, losing their remaining nine wickets for just 155 runs. Only a counter-attacking 53 from Harry Brook provided any meaningful resistance against the relentless Indian pace attack.
Jaiswal's Counter-Attack Puts India Ahead
With a slender first-innings lead of 23 for England, the match was suddenly wide open. Opener Yashasvi Jaiswal seized the moment, coming out with aggressive intent. He smashed a quick-fire, unbeaten half-century (51* from 49 balls) to wrestle the initiative back for India. His innings was aided by sloppy fielding from England, who dropped him twice. With England already a bowler down due to Chris Woakes' injury, their stretched attack couldn't contain the onslaught. Despite losing two wickets, Jaiswal's charge ensured that India ended the day on 75 for 2, turning a precarious situation into one of clear advantage heading into day three.
