London: Karun Nair and Washington Sundar forged a robust and much-needed half-century stand, enabling India to bounce back after losing quick wickets on the first day of the fifth Test against England at The Oval on Thursday.
At the end of the day, India was 204/6, with Nair (52) and Sundar (19) undefeated, having put together a 51-run partnership after the tourists fell to 153/6.
India began the final session at 85/3, with Nair and Sai Sudharsan (28) in position.
The couple began the session with good intentions, as Sudharsan scored two boundaries off Jamie Overton. India passed the 100-run milestone in 34. 3 overs.
However, he edged a Josh Tongue ball to wicketkeeper Jamie Smith, bringing his 108-ball innings to 38 runs, including six boundaries. India had a score of 101/4.
Ravindra Jadeja's stint at the crease was short-lived, scoring nine runs off 13 balls before Tongue grabbed his wicket and Jamie made the catch. India had reached 123 runs and was halfway through.
Jurel seemed powerful, hitting two boundaries. Despite surviving an lbw appeal against Gus Atkinson, he was dismissed on the following delivery, with an outside edge off his bat falling into Harry Brook's hands in slips. Jurel was out for 19 off 40 deliveries. India scored 153/6.
Nair continued to score, hitting two fours against Overton. He battled the storm with Washington Sundar, achieving his half-century in 90 deliveries with seven boundaries. India crossed the 200-run barrier in 61. 1 overs.
Nair and Sundar ensured that India finished the day without any further wicket losses.
India began the second session with a score of 72/2, with Gill (15) and Sudharsan (25) not out.
India was doing fine until captain Gill attempted a rapid single, which turned out to be fatal, as Gus Atkinson ran him out for 21 off 35 balls, with four fours. India was 83/3, with a 45-run stand remaining.
After rain halted play, the Tea was served, and the second session ended with Nair (0) and Sudharsan (28) undefeated on 85/3.
After a brief shower interrupted the first session, India scored 72/2 in 23 overs, with Gill and Sudharsan undefeated on 15 and 25 respectively.
The rain had already made its presence known twice before the game began. Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul attempted to navigate through a difficult situation under overcast weather and with the ground somewhat wet.
Gus Atkinson, playing in the Test squad in the absence of tearaway Jofra Archer, destroyed India's top order with his scorching speed at his home venue. With an inward angled delivery and a touch of movement, Atkinson hit Jaiswal just below the kneeroll of his pads.
There were two sounds, and the England players were perplexed. The players had varying views, but Pope decided to trust his gut, which made Ben Duckett less than pleased.
Even selected captain Ben Stokes looked perplexed before switching his gaze to see the replay. During the check, the ball cleanly flew past Jaiswal's bat, sealing his destiny as he walked back to the dressing room for a cheap 2(9).
KL Rahul attempted to rally India's comeback amid the difficult period alongside Sudharsan. The pair attentively watched the ball, attempting to steer India through a tough patch.
However, India was shocked again when Chris Woakes enticed Rahul to chop the ball back onto the stumps, destroying all of his hard effort and compelling him to return on 14(40). He attempted to slice the ball away, but instead directed it squarely toward the wood.
Gill came to the crease and brought serenity to the situation with his controlled shot, deliberate risk-taking, and astute judgments. He hit three boundaries to compensate for the early loss of wickets. The sun showered The Oval with its beams, but black clouds returned, and persistent rain poured down, forcing both sides to take an early lunch.
Brief Scores: India: 204/6 (Karun Nair 52, Sai Sudharsan 38, Gus Atkinson 2/31) versus England.
