“India collapse for 224 as England seize control – Atkinson’s five-fer puts hosts on top; Woakes ruled out”
Match Overview – Thrill and Turning Point
The final match of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 2025 between India and England is being played at The Oval, London, from July 31 to August 4.
England currently leads the series 2–1, and India must win this match to level the series.
Day 1 Recap
Due to overcast skies, rain, and a wet outfield, only 64 overs could be played on Day 1. India’s top order collapsed, and the team was reduced to 204/6 by the end of the day.
Captain Shubman Gill was run out for just 21 runs — a key turning point that halted India’s momentum.
After that, Karun Nair (52)* and Washington Sundar (19)* steadied the innings slightly and held India at 204/6 overnight.
Day 2 Morning Session: Post-break Collapse
Day 2 began with India resuming at 204/6, but a quick collapse of the middle and lower order saw them all out for 224 within just half an hour of play.
Gus Atkinson made a brilliant return to Test cricket, taking 5 wickets for 33 runs, including the dismissals of Siraj and Prasidh Krishna without scoring.
Josh Tongue trapped Karun Nair (57) LBW, breaking the last resistance.
Washington Sundar added 26 runs, but a careless shot put India in deeper trouble.
This collapse completely shifted the momentum in England’s favor.
England’s Fiery Reply – Bravo and Brisk
In response, England’s openers Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett started aggressively, scoring 50+ runs in just 7 overs with confident body language and attacking play.
Duckett played an eye-catching reverse scoop and several boundaries, putting Indian bowlers under pressure from the start.
By the 10th over, England had reached 71/0, with a run rate exceeding 6 per over — India needed to improve its bowling immediately.
Thus, England began confidently and kept India on the back foot with dynamic play.
Emotional Moments – Tribute and Awareness
The match was also observed as ‘A Day for Thorpey’, honoring the late England and Surrey great Graham Thorpe. He would have turned 56 on 1 August 2025, the second day of this decisive Test between England and India at The Oval . In his memory, players and fans alike donned white headbands — a signature look Thorpe wore during his time at the crease. Joe Root, Ben Duckett and other members of the squad joined in, creating a unified and emotional atmosphere that paid tribute not just to his cricketing achievements but also his personal journey .
Proceeds from the specially designed £5 headbands, co-created with Thorpe’s wife Amanda and daughters Kitty and Emma, will fund the “Thorpey’s Bat and Chat” mental health initiative by charity Mind. This programme uses cricket sessions combined with guided conversations to support mental wellbeing across England and Wales .
Amanda reflected, “That day will be very powerful. We want to celebrate him and his memory. His light was so bright,” while Kitty emphasized breaking the silence around grief and suicide, and Emma underscored the importance of sharing their story to end stigma and help others feel less alone .
Pitch, Weather, and Injury Updates
- Pitch Report: The wet surface favored seamers, offering bounce and movement that made batting difficult.
- Weather: Rain affected Day 1, but conditions improved slightly on Day 2, although uncertainty remained.
- Injury Update: England all-rounder Chris Woakes sustained a shoulder injury while taking a catch on Day 1. He has been ruled out of the match, potentially weakening England’s bowling attack.
Playing XI Updates
India: Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Sai Sudharsan, Shubman Gill (c), Karun Nair, Ravindra Jadeja, Dhruv Jurel (wk), Washington Sundar, Akash Deep, Prasidh Krishna, Mohammed Siraj
England: Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope (c), Joe Root, Harry Brook, Jacob Bethell, Jamie Smith, Chris Woakes (injured), Gus Atkinson, Jamie Overton, Josh Tongue
Looking Ahead – The Match Direction
India must restrict England’s first innings quickly and aim to set up a strong position in the second innings.
England has gained significant momentum with their brisk start.
India’s challenge will be to rebuild their middle and lower order and create a competitive run-chase scenario.
Conclusion
Day 2 clearly tilted the balance toward England. India’s innings wrapped up at just 224, and England responded with an aggressive and confident start.
Lapses in India’s middle order, small fielding errors, and key decision-making moments have put them under pressure in this crucial Test.
While the match currently favors England, the unpredictability of Test cricket still leaves room for a turnaround.
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