Fri Aug 01 13:50:00 UTC 2025: **Headline: Rain Delays, Siraj’s Spell Spark Dramatic Day 2 Shift in India-England Test**
**The Oval, London** – Day 2 of the fifth Test between India and England at The Oval was a rollercoaster, featuring a dominant morning session by England, a stunning Indian fightback led by Mohammed Siraj, and interruptions by rain.
Play began with England quickly wrapping up India’s innings for 224, Gus Atkinson claiming a five-wicket haul. England then came out swinging, openers Zak Crawley (52) and Ben Duckett (43) raced to 100 in under 15 overs.
However, after lunch, India’s pacers, led by Siraj (3/66), turned the tide. Siraj’s fiery spell saw him dismiss Ollie Pope (22), Joe Root (29), and debutant Jacob Bethell (6), shifting the momentum. Prasidh Krishna (4/59) also contributed with crucial wickets, including that of Crawley, and Gus Atkinson (11).
Tensions flared between the two teams after the dismissal of Crawley with Root getting in involved in a heated conversation with officials.
Play was interrupted by rain, forcing players off the field and covers on, before resuming at 9:55 PM IST.
First Piper 