India edged closer to a series-levelling win after Akash Deep’s incisive spell reduced England to 153 for six at lunch on a rain-interrupted final day of the second Test on Sunday. The visitors tightened their grip when Washington Sundar trapped England captain Ben Stokes leg before wicket just before the interval, capping a dominant morning session.
On a day marked by classic English weather, heavy clouds and showers giving way to bursts of sunshine, play began one hour and 40 minutes late, leaving India with 80 overs to claim the remaining English wickets. England resumed at 72 for three, facing a near-impossible chase of 608.
Prasidh Krishna shared the new ball with Akash Deep, who made the most of a pitch that finally showed signs of wear in this high-scoring contest. Exploiting pronounced seam movement, Akash Deep needed only seven deliveries to strike, bowling Ollie Pope as the batter dragged one onto his stumps. In his next over, he dealt a huge blow by dismissing Harry Brook lbw with a delivery that pitched on a crack and jagged back sharply, leaving Brook with little chance.
The 27-year-old’s stellar use of the new ball likely cements his place for the upcoming Lord’s Test. Meanwhile, Krishna played the containing role from the other end, keeping England under pressure.
Ravindra Jadeja entered the attack after the opening hour and immediately found turn from the rough, troubling Stokes and Jamie Smith. Adjusting his approach from Headingley, Jadeja slowed his pace to extract more spin.
Stokes, however, managed to counterattack briefly, finding four boundaries off Mohammed Siraj, including a pull and a crisp drive through extra cover. Sensing the need to break free, he attempted to sweep Jadeja aggressively.
Coming into day five, only two outcomes appeared realistic: an Indian win or a draw, with England all but abandoning hopes of chasing the mammoth target. Notably, England have drawn only one Test in the last three years, underlining the scale of India’s control in this match.
As the session concluded with England six down and still trailing by a substantial margin, India looked poised to wrap up a memorable victory and level the five-match series at 1-1.
