Cricholic
Fiery spells from Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna helped India storm back into the contest on Day 2 of the final Test at The Oval. Siraj’s aggressive eight-over burst yielded 4 for 86, bowling England out for 247. Earlier, India had collapsed for 224 in the first session. Despite England’s explosive start with the bat, India ended the day ahead with a 52-run lead. Yashasvi Jaiswal capitalized on the momentum with an unbeaten 51 off just 44 balls.
🔥 Fiery start undone by morning collapse
India’s innings fell apart within 29 minutes of play. First, Karun Nair was trapped LBW by Josh Tongue. Then, Gus Atkinson wiped out the lower order, picking three wickets and completing a five-for.
As a result, India added only 20 runs to their overnight score. Most of those came via extras and unconvincing edges. Despite hopes of a solid tail-end contribution, the collapse was sharp and sudden.
💨 Fiery England response with rapid scoring
In response, England’s openers came out blazing. Crawley and Duckett smashed 50 in just seven overs, equaling the record for the fastest first-innings 50 against India. Moreover, they reached 100 in less than 15 overs, taking full advantage of the hard ball.
Duckett had some fortune early. Although he edged Akash Deep, the ball landed short of the fielders. Moments later, he attempted a risky reverse scoop—ironically, the same shot that led to his dismissal. This time, Akash Deep got his revenge.
Meanwhile, Crawley’s aggression didn’t stop. He brought up a half-century off just 42 balls. However, he fell after Lunch, giving India their first real opening.
🏏 Fiery Siraj sparks middle-order collapse
India’s bowlers adjusted their strategy post-lunch. They bowled fuller and straighter, targeting the stumps. Consequently, Prasidh Krishna dismissed Crawley with a sharp bouncer.
Siraj then took over. First, he trapped Pope LBW with an in-dipping delivery. Then, Root missed a full-length ball and was struck plumb in front. Siraj wasn’t done—he bowled a brutal yorker to remove debutant Bethell. His spell was relentless: 8 overs, 3 wickets for 35 runs. As a result, the momentum had completely shifted.
🔄 Fiery Prasidh returns to clean up tail
Later, Prasidh returned to put the finishing touches on England’s innings. In a single over, he dismissed Jamie Smith—caught at slip—and Overton, LBW.
Although Harry Brook offered resistance with a brisk 53, Siraj returned to remove him and complete his four-wicket haul. England, therefore, collapsed to 247 in just 51.2 overs. Between them, Siraj and Prasidh claimed 8 wickets.
🚀 Fiery Jaiswal leads India’s charge
Despite the morning collapse, India’s second innings began positively. Jaiswal played fearlessly, smashing a 44-ball half-century. He targeted Overton for two sixes and punished Atkinson’s width consistently.
Although KL Rahul edged Tongue to slip, the scoring rate didn’t drop. Meanwhile, England’s fielders added to their woes. Brook and Dawson both dropped Jaiswal, missing vital chances.
Eventually, Atkinson got a reward by trapping Sai Sudharsan LBW. Still, by stumps, India had established a strong lead.
🗣️ Heated moment: Fiery exchange between Prasidh and Root
Tensions rose when Prasidh Krishna exchanged words with Joe Root. After beating Root’s edge, he made a cheeky remark—“You’re looking in great shape.” Root didn’t appreciate it and responded with a boundary and some words.
Umpire Dharmasena intervened to calm things down, while KL Rahul also stepped in. Later, Prasidh said it was part of his mental strategy. “I didn’t expect him to react like that,” he admitted. “But I respect him—he’s a legend.”
England assistant coach Marcus Trescothick confirmed the episode was unusual. “Joe usually laughs these things off. Today, he reacted differently,” he noted.
😠 Duckett-Akash incident adds to tension
There was more drama involving Akash Deep and Duckett. After dismissing him, Akash placed an arm around the batter’s shoulder—an unusual gesture. According to Trescothick, “You don’t usually see that. Some players might have reacted aggressively.”
🧾 Brief Scores
India 224 & 75/2 (Jaiswal 51*)
England 247 (Crawley 64, Brook 53; Prasidh 4-62, Siraj 4-86)
India lead by 52 runs
