At the end of a rain‑interrupted first day of the fifth and final Test at The Oval on 31 July 2025, India were 204 for 6 in reply to England’s first‑innings total—leaving the hosts in the ascendant and firmly in control of proceedings despite India’s defiant lower‑order resistance at the close of play.. Although there are four days remaining, England’s seam‑friendly bowling conditions and India’s top six batting failures made the tourists’ path to victory look extremely challenging.
England’s Seamers Step Up
With Captain Ben Stokes out injured from earlier in the series, England fielded a three‑pronged seam attack featuring Gus Atkinson, Chris Woakes, Josh Tongue and Jamie Overton, with part‑time spin from Joe Root and Jacob Bethell. Atkinson, making his first Test appearance since May, delivered a probing 19‑over spell for figures of 2 for 31, trapping Yashasvi Jaiswal lbw for 2 and running out captain Shubman Gill before close of play. Woakes trapped KL Rahul for 14 with nip back into the pads .
Atkinson’s Return and Key Moments
Atkinson’s performance, both with ball in hand and with his athletic run‑out of Gill for 21, served notice that England had rediscovered cutting edge. Gill’s dismissal in particular resonated: attempting a suicidal single, he was trapped short of safety by Atkinson’s direct hit from mid‑off—an unerring throw from six yards after gaining possession with full composure.
Indian Lower‑Order Revival
India were teetering at 123 for 5 when recalled middle‑order batter Karun Nair and all‑rounder Washington Sundar steadied the ship. Nair ended the day unbeaten on 52 off 98 balls, constructing a 51‑run stand with Sundar, who finished 19 not out. Their calm approach ensured India avoided collapse on a pitch that offered swing and bounce early on.
England’s First‑Innings Dominance and India’s Recovery
On Day Two, England took all ten India wickets inside 30 minutes in the morning session, bowling India out for 224—just 20 runs added to their overnight score. Gus Atkinson ripped through the tail with figures of 5 for 33, including two ducks (Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna). England responded immediately with a blistering opening stand of 92 in 12 overs by Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett, racing into a commanding position.
Chris Woakes’ Injury Throws Caution into England Ranks
Woakes’ crucial shoulder injury from a diving fielding effort overshadowed England’s good fortunes late on Day One. Priced to have thrown significant overs across the series, his absence will test England’s seam resources across the remaining four days . The hosts may now have to lean on men with part‑time spin or introduce fresh seamers in Overton or Bethell to share the load.
Conditions, Momentum and Tactical Context
The overcast morning conditions at The Oval offered 8 mm of grass, ideal for lateral movement and seam bowling—conditions England exploited thoroughly. Though Atkinson spearheaded the line, the supporting cast were less consistent: Tongue delivered two vital wickets but leaked extras, and Overton’s 0–66 spell belonged on the wrong side of average at this juncture. Still, India’s collapse exposed the fragility of their top order under sustained pressure.
Looking Ahead to Days Two and Beyond
England now lead the series 2–1 and require only a draw to clinch the series, while India must win. With India already 20 runs behind and facing England’s exuberant Bazball‑style batting, the hosts will look to bat long and grind India down. However, Nair’s resistance and the promise of better batting conditions later in the weekend mean all eyes are on Day Two for a potential shift in momentum—especially if the bottom half of India’s batting fire again.
In summary, England looked in charge at 204 for 6 thanks to Atkinson’s sharp seam bowling and athleticism, while India’s surface‑resistance from Nair and Sundar offered scant comfort. If England’s new ball bowlers hold, and their injured stalwart Woakes is managed well, then the hosts could secure their first series win over India in England since 2018.
