Fri Aug 01 19:41:34 UTC 2025: **News Article:**

**India Roars Back in Fifth Test, Setting Up Thrilling Finish Against England**

**The Oval, London** – India staged a remarkable comeback on day two of the fifth and final Test against England at the Oval, clawing their way back into contention after a shaky start. Prasidh Krishna and Mohammed Siraj spearheaded the bowling attack, each claiming four wickets, as India restricted England to a slender 23-run lead before building a lead of 52 runs by the end of the day.

The day began poorly for the tourists as England quickly wrapped up the Indian innings for 224, with Gus Atkinson claiming a five-wicket haul (5-33) in his first Test since May. Karun Nair (57) and Washington Sundar (26) were the first wickets to fall this morning.

England’s openers, Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett, then came out all guns blazing, adopting their now customary “Bazball” approach, reaching 92-0 in just 12 overs. Duckett’s audacious “reverse hook” for six off Akash Deep was a highlight. They reached 50 in seven overs – the fastest 50 opening partnership England have ever managed in a Test. However, India responded strongly, with the seamers bowling relentlessly and pegging England back.

Crawley fell for 64 and Ollie Pope for 22, which set of a mini-collapse of the England batting order. Joe Root (29) and Jacob Bethell (0) were both dismissed lbw to Siraj. Krishna then dismissed Jamie Smith (8) and Jamie Overton (0) before dismissing Atkinson. Harry Brook contributed a brisk 53, before being bowled by Siraj, before England was eventually dismissed for 247.

India’s openers then came out and erased the deficit and pushed on well beyond, with Yashasvi Jaiswal looking particularly enterprising en route to a quickfire 51 before being dropped on 40. Rahul departed tamely for seven off Josh Tongue, and Sai Sudharsan followed, lbw to Atkinson for 11, leaving Deep not out four.

Jaiswal’s rapid half-century (51*) ensured India closed the day on 75-2, leading by 52 runs. Despite Jaiswal’s drop on 40, the Indian openers quickly erased the deficit and took lead after a quickfire start. With good weather forecast for Saturday, another capacity crowd is expected at the Oval, anticipating more fireworks and a potentially thrilling conclusion to what has been a captivating series.

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