IND vs ENG, 5th Test: India ends day 1 at 204/6 after rain plays spoilsport

India reached 204 for 6 at stumps on a rain-hit first day of the final Test in the Anderson–Tendulkar Trophy series, with Karun Nair unbeaten on 52 and Washington Sundar not out on 19. Only 64 overs were bowled due to persistent rain delays throughout Thursday (July 31), yet India managed to add 119 runs in the extended final session while losing three wickets.

Rain Interruptions Shape the Flow of Play

The morning session was curtailed by a sudden shower that forced an early lunch. At that point, India stood at 72 for 2 after 23 overs, with Sai Sudharsan (25*) and Shubman Gill (15*) carefully rebuilding the innings after the early dismissal of both openers.

Having chosen to bowl first on what was the greenest surface of the series at The Oval, England made early inroads. KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal were sent back quickly, giving the hosts a solid start. Despite the overcast conditions and lively pitch, the English bowlers struggled for rhythm, with Josh Tongue and Jamie Overton in particular failing to find consistency due to damp landing areas that affected their footing.

Gus Atkinson struck first, trapping Jaiswal leg before with a full delivery that jagged in sharply. Initially given not out, the decision was successfully reviewed by Ollie Pope, overturning the call. Rahul then put on a short 28-run stand with Sudharsan before falling to Chris Woakes, chopping onto his stumps while trying to break a spell of quiet overs.

Gill Sets New Record Amid Solid Partnership

Shubman Gill, meanwhile, made his presence felt in his typically assertive manner. During his stay at the crease, the Indian skipper passed Sunil Gavaskar’s long-standing record of 732 runs in a single Test series for India, achieved against the West Indies in 1978–79. Gill’s innings included crisp punches and confident pulls, highlighting his form and authority at the crease.

Sudharsan played the role of anchor, showing maturity beyond his years by seeing off the new ball and gradually expanding his range of strokes. His straight drive off Woakes was one of the visual highlights of the day. However, just when it seemed that the third-wicket pair might take control, a downpour interrupted play once again, breaking their rhythm and halting momentum.

Late Session Drama and Resilience

After the weather cleared, play resumed for an extended evening session. India added 119 runs for the loss of three more wickets. England’s bowlers continued to chip away, but Karun Nair emerged as the stabilizer. Displaying patience and determination, Nair notched up a gritty half-century, ensuring India ended the day with some momentum despite the stop-start nature of play.

Washington Sundar provided valuable support at the other end, playing with caution and ensuring the visitors didn’t suffer a late collapse. The pair’s unbroken partnership helped India recover from a precarious position and set a foundation for the second day.

What’s Next?

With overcast conditions still looming in London and the pitch offering assistance to seamers, both sides will look to gain the upper hand on day two. England’s bowlers will aim to wrap up the Indian innings early, while India hopes its lower-order can stretch the total closer to 300. Much will depend on Nair and Sundar, and whether the weather allows for uninterrupted play.