England fast bowler Gus Atkinson scripted history on Day 2 of the fifth and final IND vs ENG Test 2025 at The Oval, London. He broke a 129-year-old Test cricket record with a stunning spell.
Making a comeback after missing the first four Tests due to injury, Atkinson delivered a fiery performance. He claimed 5 wickets for just 33 runs, helping England dismiss India for 224 in the first innings.
His five-wicket haul included key dismissals—Yashasvi Jaiswal, Dhruv Jurel, Washington Sundar, Mohammed Siraj, and Prasidh Krishna. With this, Atkinson completed 60 Test wickets in just 13 matches, averaging 21 and maintaining a strike rate of 34.9.
He is now only the second bowler in Test history to take 60 wickets with a strike rate below 35. The only bowler ahead of him is England legend George Lohmann, who achieved the feat in 1896 with a strike rate of 34.1. Australia’s Scott Boland ranks third, with a strike rate of 36.
India Collapse Despite Karun Nair’s Resistance
England opted to bowl first, and India crumbled despite a gritty 57 off 109 balls from Karun Nair. Washington Sundar added 26 off 55 balls, forming a crucial seventh-wicket partnership.The 50-run stand was India’s most notable contribution. Josh Tongue also impressed for England, picking up 3/57 and complementing Atkinson’s dominant spell.
England’s Reply Falters After Solid Start
England’s openers—Zak Crawley (64 off 57) and Ben Duckett (43 off 38)—launched a blazing counterattack. Their 92-run stand came in just 13 overs, putting India on the back foot.
However, India bounced back once the openers departed with the score at 129. Prasidh Krishna (4/62) and Mohammed Siraj (4/83) triggered a batting collapse.
Harry Brook fought back with a swift 53 off 64 balls, but England was bowled out for 247, managing a slim 23-run lead.
India Leads by 52 Runs at Stumps
India finished Day 2 at 75/2, courtesy of a steady unbeaten 51 from Yashasvi Jaiswal. Night-watchman Akash Deep supported with 4 not out.India now leads by 52 runs, setting up a highly competitive Day 3 at The Oval.
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