India closed Day 1 at 204/6 in 64 overs, recovering from early setbacks thanks to a resilient knock from Karun Nair, who remained unbeaten on 52* — his first Test half-century in over eight years.
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| India vs England 5th Test Day1Highlights Karun Nair fifty |
🇮🇳 India’s Top Performers
Karun Nair (52 off 98)* – Steered the innings under pressure; this is his first Test fifty since his 303 in 2016*.
Washington Sundar (19 off 44)* – Provided steady support in a crucial 51-run stand for the 7th wicket.
Sai Sudharsan (28) – Showed some promise despite wickets tumbling at the other end.
🇬🇧 England Bowlers Dominate Early
England’s seamers made the most of the green-tinged Oval pitch and overhead conditions, striking early to reduce India to 4/2 in the opening session:
Yashasvi Jaiswal (2) and KL Rahul (14) fell cheaply.
Gus Atkinson impressed with 2 wickets, including the key scalp of Shubman Gill.
Josh Tongue and James Anderson maintained pressure with tidy spells.
Chris Woakes looked threatening early on but suffered a shoulder injury, suspected to be a dislocation, and left the field.
☔ Rain Plays Spoilsport
Rain interrupted play, forcing an early lunch break and limiting the day to just 64 overs. Conditions remained challenging for batters throughout the day.
📉 Score at Stumps: Day 1
India 204/6 (Karun Nair 52*, Sundar 19*)
England Bowlers Atkinson 2/41, Tongue 1/36
🎯 Key Talking Points
Karun Nair’s comeback: His unbeaten 52* marks a return to form and reminds fans of his 2016 triple century.
India’s top-order collapse: Jaiswal, Rahul, and Gill all fell cheaply in testing conditions.
England’s injury concern: Woakes' injury could impact England’s pace attack for the remainder of the Test.
Rain & pitch: Swing and seam dominated due to overcast conditions and a grassy pitch.
📺 What’s Next?
Day 2 will be critical for both sides. If India can stretch the total past 300, it could shift the balance, especially with England one bowler short.
