On Day Two of the current Test match against England, India struck back hard. Their fierce attack bottled up the home side to only 247 runs. After being skittled for 224 in their first innings, India ended the day with a score of 75 for 2, with Yashasvi Jaiswal remaining unbeaten on 51.
The play featured a wonderful exhibition of pitching prowess. India’s Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna each had four wickets to their names, absolutely running the show. England began the day strongly, with openers Zac Crawley and Ben Duckett reaching a combined score of 50 runs within just seven overs. However, the tide turned as Siraj struck, dismissing Joe Root lbw for 29 runs. Soon after, Jacob Bethell was guilty of the same offense, succumbing to the lbw rule.
At lunch, England were in a commanding position at 109 for 1. It was the brilliant bowling by Prasidh Krishna that turned the session upside down. He dismissed Jamie Smith, Jamie Overton and Gus Atkinson, ripping through England’s much-praised batting line-up. A fighting half-century from Harry Brook (53) proved the last serious resistance before he was bowled by Siraj to wrap up an all-out England score of 247.
Jaiswal, batting aggressively from the onset, showing intent as India took to their second innings. He was 51 runs off just 65 deliveries. He was given a slice of good luck however, when he was put down in the deep whilst on 40. But against the Indian batting lineup that was asking for trouble as Karun Nair was pinned lbw for 57. Gus Atkinson in his first Test since May impressed on the big stage. He took 5 wickets and celebrated such a wonderful debut!
Although they lost two wickets early on, India held the advantage going into stumps at 75 for 2. The tourists will be hoping to make the most of their new-found momentum, as they resume their innings on Day Three. The game continues to be set up for a thrilling conclusion as both sides search for a chance to win it.
