Cricholic
Steady Start defined India’s morning at The Oval, where they cautiously advanced to 72/2 in 23 overs. Although conditions were overcast and England chose to bowl, India’s top order showed maturity and control after early setbacks. Consequently, the visitors ended the session on a positive note.
🧾 Scorecard – Lunch, Day 1
India 1st Innings – 72/2 (23 overs)
Current Run Rate: 3.13
Batting
- Yashasvi Jaiswal – 10 (9) 🎯 b Woakes
- KL Rahul – 14 (40) 🎯 c †Foakes b Woakes
- Sai Sudharsan – 25* (67) 🛡️ not out
- Shubman Gill – 15* (23) 🛡️ not out
- Extras – 8 (b 4, lb 4)
- Fall of wickets – 1-12 (Jaiswal), 2-38 (Rahul)
To Bat: Iyer, Pant (wk), Jadeja, Ashwin, Bumrah, Siraj, Mukesh
Bowling
- Chris Woakes – 9-0-28-1
- Jamie Overton – 3-0-16-0
- James Anderson – 6-2-12-0
- Gus Atkinson – 5-0-12-1
🧱 Steady Start through Gill and Sudharsan partnership
Gill and Sudharsan provided a much-needed steady start after two early wickets. While Sudharsan showed remarkable patience in his debut innings, Gill kept the scoreboard ticking with fluent strokeplay. As a result, the duo added 34 unbeaten runs, helping India recover from 38/2.
Moreover, both batters looked confident against the seamers. Their understanding between the wickets and calculated shot selection frustrated England’s bowlers.
🎯 England bowlers test India despite the Steady Start
England began aggressively, and they were rewarded early through Chris Woakes, who picked up both openers. However, the rest of the bowling attack couldn’t capitalize. Jamie Overton offered pace but was slightly expensive, while Gus Atkinson bowled a tight spell and removed Jaiswal.
Even though England created some pressure, India maintained a decent run rate of 3.13. With 67 overs still left in the day, the next session will be crucial.
🔄 Steady Start gives India confidence for the afternoon
Thanks to the composed stand between Gill and Sudharsan, India heads into the second session with renewed confidence. The scoring rate in the last 10 overs increased, indicating momentum shifting toward the visitors.
Furthermore, if the sun continues to shine, batting could become easier. Therefore, India must make the most of these favorable conditions.
🔮 What’s next after this Steady Start?
India will aim to build a big total off this platform. On the other hand, England’s bowlers will look to strike early after lunch. If they manage to break this partnership, they could regain control quickly. Conversely, a long stand from Gill and Sudharsan might put pressure back on the hosts.
