With overcast skies above and the danger of losing the series hanging behind their backs, Team India walked onto the Oval pitch to bat on day 1 of the crucial fifth test match against England yesterday. India trails 2-1 in the 5-match test series, while the fourth test ended in a draw at Old Trafford.

Captain Shubman Gill lost his fifth toss in a row, prompting the England captain Ollie Pope to ask India to bat on a green top. Pope’s strategy paid off, as India lost early wickets. Jaiswal (2), KL Rahul (14), Gill (21), Jadeja (9), and Jurel (19) were sent back to the pavilion by the England seamers.

However, Karun Nair (52 not out), Sai Sudarshan (38), and Washington Sundar (19 not out) displayed true grit and stabilized Indian batting. India’s hopes of leveling the series and stopping England from winning the cup heavily depend on Karun and Sundar’s heroics on day 2. The duo should maintain the momentum apart from posting a huge total to chase for the in-form English batsmen. 

Team India’s performance on day one of the first test has disappointed fans, especially after captain Gill, Sundar, and Jadeja scored massive tons and KL Rahul (90) narrowly missed his century in the second innings to reign in England and keep their hopes in the series alive. 

Will Karun and Sundar brave English bowlers – Woakes, Atkinson, Tongue, and Overton, and go on to score centuries? Will our seamers – Siraj, Akash, and Prasidh, rise to the occasion and break the English top order to help India equalize the series? Well, the next 2 days will determine Team India’s fate!

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Tags Ind Vs Eng 5th Test