🧨 Siraj’s Fiery Spell Sparks India Fightback After England’s Blitz
On Day 2 of the 5th Test at The Oval, England began strongly—posting 215/1 by lunch—only for India’s pace duo Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna to reclaim control with a crucial combined six-wicket haul, demolishing the middle and lower order to bring England back into balance. Siraj’s 3/66 over an inspired eight-over session turned the tide.
🧾 Match Flow: From England Dominance to India Resurgence
⚡ England’s Early Blitz
- Openers Ben Duckett and Zak Crawley blitzed the Indian attack with a rapid fifty in just seven overs, racing to 92 before lunch—the third-fastest Test fifty against India.
🎯 Siraj’s Match‑Changing Spell
- Siraj delivered an inspired eight-over spell, capturing key wickets of Duckett, Crawley, and Harry Brook, changing the momentum in India’s favour.
- Prasidh Krishna supported with three crucial wickets. Together they pegged England back to 215/7 by tea, trimmed from a dominant position.
📍 India’s Response
- India’s second innings saw Yashasvi Jaiswal spearheading the chase with a brisk fifty. England’s makeshift bowlers, lacking depth after Woakes’ dismissal, couldn’t sustain pressure. India ended Day 2 at 75/2, leading by 52 runs.
🔑 Why Siraj’s Spell Mattered
- 🧱 Gamebreaker: Snapped a dangerous 144-run stand and halted England’s domination.
- 💪 Bowling grit: Eight-over extended spell displayed stamina and nerve.
- 🧠 Leadership in absence: With key bowlers out, Siraj stepped up under pressure—setting up India’s fightback.
✅ Key Highlights Table
| Context | Detail |
|---|---|
| England pre-lunch power | 92/0 in 7 overs with Duckett and Crawley’s aggressive batting |
| Siraj’s figures | 3 wickets for 66 runs in 8 overs, including top order batsmen |
| Recovery | England slumped from 215/1 to 247 all out by Day’s end |
| India’s second innings | 75/2 by stumps; India leading by 52 runs |
🤔 FAQs
Q1: When did Siraj bowl his fire spell?
A: On Day 2 afternoon, after England raced to 215/1 by lunch, Siraj took charge with a blistering eight-over session.Q2: Who else supported Siraj in the bowling attack?
A: Prasidh Krishna claimed three wickets while Siraj claimed three—combined they collapsed England’s middle-order.Q3: How did England start so fast?
A: Duckett and Crawley scored a fifty in seven overs, the joint fasted half-century against India in a Test, racing past 90 before lunch.Q4: What change did India’s strategy show?
A: Bowling with heart and precision, India reversed a dangerous situation and gained control heading into stumps—India closed Day 2 well ahead.Q5: What does this mean for the series decider?
A: With momentum in India's favour and England’s depleted bowling (out of Woakes), India carries psychological and tactical upper hand into Day 3.🧠 Final Thoughts
Siraj’s fiery spell on Day 2 was not just about wickets—it was a display of resilience and match awareness. From England’s early dominance, India pulled themselves back into contention through grit and execution. With the series outcome still hanging and key bowlers missing on both sides, Day 3 promises high stakes and fierce competition.
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