India Faces Challenging Start at The Oval against England

London, Jul 31 (PTI) India found themselves in an early battle against England on a challenging green top at The Oval, managing to reach 72 for two at lunch during the pivotal fifth Test on Thursday.

India, aiming for a decisive performance, made significant changes to their lineup. They brought in a fit-again Akash Deep, Prasidh Krishna, Karun Nair, and Dhruv Jurel, replacing Jasprit Bumrah, Anshul Kamboj, Shardul Thakur, and the injured Rishabh Pant.

England, dealing with their injury setbacks, had already announced four changes a day prior. Crucial players like captain Ben Stokes and Jofra Archer were unavailable for selection.

The pitch, the greenest of the series so far, was conducive to seam movement, although the swing wasn't as pronounced. Gus Atkinson, playing his first match of the series, made an immediate impact. In his second over, he trapped Yashasvi Jaiswal (2) in front with a delivery that angled in, overturning the on-field umpire's decision after a successful review.

Meanwhile, other English bowlers like Josh Tongue and Jamie Overton struggled with their lines initially. Tongue's opening over was particularly wayward, leaking 12 runs, including 10 from wides on both sides of the stumps.

By the first hour, India steadied slightly, reaching 36 for one. India's most consistent batsman in the series, K L Rahul (14 off 40), was the next to depart. Attempting to cut a short ball by Chris Woakes, he only managed to play it onto his stumps.

Sai Sudharsan then joined hands with skipper Shubman Gill, steering India safely to lunch. The session was cut short due to a sudden downpour at The Oval, amid fleeting sunshine.

Sai confidently struck two fours down the ground off Tongue and Woakes. India's prolific scorer, Gill, showcased his flair by punching Overton through covers and executing a short-arm pull for boundaries on both sides of the wicket.