Siraj’s Fiery Spell Leads India Fightback Against England on Day 2
Siraj’s fiery spell gave India a strong comeback opportunity on Day 2 of the 5th Test match against England at The Oval. After being bowled out for just 224 runs in the morning session, India struggled when England scored a quick 100 runs in just 15 overs. But Siraj’s second spell of fast, smart bowling changed the game and gave India a chance to bounce back.
Morning Trouble for India
India started the day at 204/6 but could only add 20 more runs before being bowled out for 224. Gus Atkinson completed his five-wicket haul, destroying the Indian tail. Washington Sundar fell to a short ball, Mohammed Siraj was bowled, and Prasidh Krishna edged behind. Karun Nair, who had scored a fighting 57, was dismissed early by Josh Tongue.
Most of India’s runs on Day 2 came from edges and extras, showing how tough the batting conditions were. But worse was to come.
England’s Blazing Start
England openers Ben Duckett and Zak Crawley came out attacking. They scored 50 runs in just 7 overs, the fastest-ever first-innings 50 against India in Tests. By lunch, England reached 109/1, scoring at almost 7 runs per over. Siraj’s Fiery Spell
Duckett was fearless, playing reverse scoops and attacking shots from the start. In the fourth over, he edged Akash Deep, but the catch fell between fielders. The next ball, he reverse-scooped it for four. Ironically, he got out playing the same shot again, off Akash, but by then England were flying at 92/1. Siraj’s Fiery Spell
Zak Crawley scored a 42-ball half-century—his third of the series and 19th in Test cricket—before falling after lunch. His wicket started the turnaround. Siraj’s Fiery Spell
India’s Tactical Comeback
After lunch, India changed their bowling strategy. Instead of bowling short or wide, they pitched the ball slightly fuller and straighter, making better use of the helpful pitch conditions. This change paid off.
Prasidh Krishna, sharing the new ball with Akash Deep, struck first by getting Crawley to mistime a pull shot. The ball bounced more than expected and took the top edge. Caught. Siraj’s Fiery Spell
Then came Siraj’s fiery spell.
Siraj Destroys England’s Middle Order
Mohammed Siraj replaced Akash Deep and made an immediate impact. In just his fourth ball, he dismissed Ollie Pope with a sharp in-swinger that trapped him LBW. Siraj’s Fiery Spell
Next, Siraj dismissed Joe Root, who had been visibly uncomfortable and exchanged words with Prasidh earlier. A length ball came in sharply, and Root couldn’t bring his bat down in time. Another LBW. Siraj’s Fiery Spell
Soon after, Siraj bowled an incredible inswinging yorker to Jacob Bethell, hitting him right on the boot. Bethell had no chance. Siraj’s Fiery Spell
Siraj’s second spell read:
8 overs, 3 wickets, 35 runs, and a false shot percentage of 31.2 – showing how difficult he made it for the batters.
Prasidh Strikes Again
Just before tea, Prasidh Krishna came back to bowl a great delivery. It bounced awkwardly and Jamie Smith edged it to KL Rahul at second slip. England were suddenly 6 down. Siraj’s Fiery Spell
Amidst the collapse, Harry Brook remained calm and reached 33 not out. He punished any bad deliveries, but India had taken control of the session. Siraj’s Fiery Spell
Summary of Wickets
-
India 224 all out: Karun Nair 57, Atkinson 5-22
-
England 215/7 at Stumps: Crawley 64, Duckett 43, Siraj 3-66, Prasidh 3-51
India leads by just 9 runs, but the momentum is back with them.
Siraj’s Fiery Spell Turns the Match
Siraj’s fiery spell was the turning point. On a day where England looked ready to run away with the match, Siraj stepped up with heart and skill. His reverse swing and smart use of conditions broke England’s top and middle order. Siraj’s Fiery Spell
Prasidh Krishna also bowled brilliantly, using bounce and line cleverly. The duo combined to take 6 wickets and bring India back into the game. Siraj’s Fiery Spell
What Next?
Day 3 promises to be thrilling. India will aim to wrap up the English innings quickly and build a solid lead. England, on the other hand, will look to get close to India’s total or even take a small lead themselves.
With the ball swinging and conditions helping seamers, another bowling-dominated day is likely.
For more updates, follow Cricmind on Facebook, Instagram, X (Twitter), and YouTube..
