Persistent rain and a damp outfield restricted play on a heavily interrupted opening day of the fifth Test between India and England at The Oval on Thursday. Only six overs were bowled in the post-lunch session before rain forced the players off the field once again, with India reaching 85 for 3 at tea.
Resuming the second session at 72 for 2 following an early lunch due to rain, India suffered an immediate setback when skipper Shubman Gill was run out for 21. The right-hander added just six runs to his lunch-time score before a miscommunication with partner Sai Sudharsan cost him his wicket. Attempting a risky single, Gill was caught short of his crease by a sharp piece of fielding, handing England a crucial breakthrough just as the innings was beginning to stabilise.
Only 13 runs were added in the six overs bowled in the second session before rain returned to halt proceedings once more. Tea was eventually taken as the weather showed no signs of improvement. At the interval, Sudharsan was unbeaten on 28, continuing to anchor the innings with solid application in testing conditions, while Karun Nair was yet to open his account.
Earlier in the day, England made early inroads after winning the toss and electing to bowl first on a green-top wicket under overcast skies. The decision paid immediate dividends as Gus Atkinson struck in the early stages, trapping Yashasvi Jaiswal LBW for just 2. The ball jagged in sharply, catching the left-hander plumb in front.
Chris Woakes then delivered a telling blow by dismissing KL Rahul, who had looked composed during his 40-ball stay. Attempting to cut a delivery that was too close to his body, Rahul inside-edged the ball onto his stumps, departing for 14 and leaving India in early trouble at 38 for 2.
India’s hopes of rebuilding were entrusted to Gill and Sudharsan, who cautiously navigated the difficult conditions to guide India to 72 for 2 at lunch before the afternoon setbacks unfolded.
By tea, the score read 85 for 3 after 29 overs, with rain continuing to play spoilsport on a day that had already seen multiple stoppages. The forecast suggests further interruptions are likely, potentially turning the weather into a major factor in the outcome of this crucial series-deciding Test.
Brief scores (Tea, Day 1): India 85/3 in 29 overs (Sai Sudharsan 28*, Shubman Gill 21; Gus Atkinson 1/13, Chris Woakes 1/28)
(With PTI inputs)
