Day 2 of the fifth and final Test between England and India delivered action-packed cricket—gritty batting, fiery spells and heated moments. With momentum swinging both ways, the match now hangs delicately in the balance. As the contest heads into a pivotal third day, India’s hopes of leveling the fiercely fought series remain alive.
Yashasvi Jaiswal lifts India to 52-run lead with his quick half century
Yashasvi Jaiswal led the charge superbly in the third innings after England tumbled in a dream morning session on Day 2. The left-hander played a range of elegant and aggressive strokes that left the opposition bowlers short of answers. Jaiswal remained unbeaten on 51 off just 49 deliveries, laced with seven boundaries and two sixes. By stumps, India had reached 75 for 2, holding a 52-run lead.
England’s bowlers struggled to contain Jaiswal’s fluent strokeplay. While they did create opportunities, a couple of missed chances in the field hurt their momentum in what turned out to be a fiercely contested final session. Gus Atkinson once again impressed with his sharp line and length, claiming the crucial wicket of Sai Sudharsan. Josh Tongue also chipped in with one, removing KL Rahul. Now, the responsibility lies with England’s bowlers to step up under pressure, strike early, and claw their way back into the contest with discipline and intensity on Day 3.
Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna led the fightback after early English assault
India’s bowlers staged a strong comeback earlier in the day after England’s openers had launched a commanding assault in the first session. Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna led the fightback. England’s promising start quickly unravelled as the middle order failed to capitalise. Akash Deep also chipped in with a sharp burst that dried up the scoring rate and built pressure from the other end. What initially looked like a day that could belong to England soon turned in India’s favour, thanks to a complete turnaround led by the bowlers. For England it was tensed night going back to their dugouts. After Zak Crawley and Harry Brook fighting half centuries that helped them get a lead of 20 runs.
Also WATCH: Tensions flare as Joe Root and Prasidh Krishna engage in heated exchange on Day 2 of fifth Test
Here’s how fans reacted:
Without that intent from Jaiswal
IND would be around 15-20 with 2/3 wickets
Should bat the same way Tomorrow while Gill holding on, Jurel, Nair, Jadeja, Washington are still there
Let Jaiswal attack #ENGvIND— ╝ ⧦⩓⌾Ҝ⟦⁋ (@han34926) August 1, 2025
He wears his heart on his sleeves.#MohammedSiraj #ENGvIND pic.twitter.com/gwvPwW7Geo
— Just Cricket 🇮🇳 (@forjustcricket) August 1, 2025
JaisBALL or Nothing! 💥#WhistlePodu #ENGvIND
📷 : BCCI pic.twitter.com/zixeeNW5d4— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) August 1, 2025
The match is still on a knife’s edge… just like the entire series has been from the very beginning. Another cliffhanger loading for tomorrow? #EngvInd
— Rohan महाजन (@mahajanrohan99) August 1, 2025
The 𝗝𝗮𝗶𝘀𝗯𝗮𝗹𝗹 show is back! 🤩 pic.twitter.com/hIu44KqqDP
— Gujarat Titans (@gujarat_titans) August 1, 2025
Mohd Siraj’s fitness level deserves some kind of a man-of-the-series award by itself. The guy has been absolutely relentless.
If that’s not a captain’s delight, wonder what is…
— KSR (@KShriniwasRao) August 1, 2025
England should’ve had more runs on the board, then should’ve taken more wickets, poor day after starting so well this morning #ENGvIND
— James Flett (@thecraftyjoiner) August 1, 2025
I love the character this Indian team has shown today.
After the demoralising assault of Duckett & Crawley this morning, I thought they were dead and buried. But they have come back strongly & fought it out.
Well done to whoever did that pep talk (if there was one).#ENGvIND
— Cricketologist (@AMP86793444) August 1, 2025
India’s new Test strategy this series: wicket before every session break.
Lunch, tea, stumps — no break without heartbreak.
Focus gone. Lessons ignored. #ENGvIND— Nitin Peherkar (@NitinPeherkar) August 1, 2025
Day 2: Stumps – India lead by 52 runs 👉 https://t.co/PINiwcmC5u#cricket #ENGvIND #5thTest pic.twitter.com/79aXoEv4sK
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) August 1, 2025
Also WATCH: Mohammed Siraj removes Ollie Pope and Joe Root LBW with sharp inswingers on Day 2 of the Oval Test
