Fri Aug 01 18:36:39 UTC 2025: **India Takes Slim Lead After Day 2 Comeback in Fifth Test**

**Dharamsala, India** – India fought back from a brutal opening session assault by England’s openers to take a narrow 52-run lead at the end of Day 2 of the fifth and final Test match.

England, who bowled India out for 224 early in the day, initially dominated with Ben Duckett (43 off 38) and Zak Crawley (64 off 57) smashing the Indian bowlers to all parts of the ground. However, a spirited bowling performance led by Mohammed Siraj (4 wickets) and Prasidh Krishna (4 wickets) saw England bowled out for 247, giving India a slender 23-run lead.

Siraj’s fiery spell in the afternoon, claiming the crucial wickets of Joe Root (29), Crawley, Ollie Pope (22), and Jacob Bethell (6), shifted the momentum. Prasidh Krishna supported well, dismissing Jamie Smith and Jamie Overton. Harry Brook counter-attacked with a belligerent 53 off 64 balls, before England’s innings folded.

India’s second innings saw them reach 75 for two at stumps. K.L. Rahul fell cheaply for 7, but Yashasvi Jaiswal remained aggressive, scoring 51 not out off 49 balls. Sai Sudharsan was dismissed for 11.

The day was also marked by dropped catches, with Jaiswal getting reprieved twice and Sudharsan once. There was also a heated exchange between Joe Root and Prasidh Krishna.

With the pitch offering assistance to seamers, the match remains finely poised, promising an exciting battle over the remaining days.

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