On a day where the clouds refused to clear and questions lingered over team selections, Karun Nair scripted a resolute comeback with an unbeaten 52 to take India to 204/6 at stumps on Day One of the must-win fifth and final Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy at The Oval.
India’s innings unfolded on a seaming green pitch under persistent cloud cover, perfect conditions for swing bowling—conditions that England capitalised on after electing to bowl first. Missing from India’s line-up, however, was Jasprit Bumrah, their pace spearhead, whose exclusion raised eyebrows.
No Bumrah, Big Statement
While India's batting order faced England’s probing seamers, much of the day’s off-field buzz surrounded the decision to rest Bumrah despite a generous break between Tests.
Bowling coach Morne Morkel addressed the talking point post play.
It wasn’t worth including him. He’s bowled a lot, even if it doesn’t seem so. He was always going to be available for three games. We just felt it was right to stick with that call.
With Shardul Thakur also left out, Karun Nair was drafted in—and he repaid the faith, digging in through tricky spells and rain interruptions.
Karun Nair: 3149 Days Later, a Gritty Return
For Karun Nair, this wasn’t just about holding fort—it was a personal milestone. Making a return to the playing XI after a long hiatus and countless domestic battles, Nair showcased calm under pressure. His 89-ball fifty, laced with seven boundaries, marked his first Test half-century since 2016—a wait of 3149 days.
When someone comes back after a long absence, the pressure is always there. But he handled it well. He summed up the conditions, absorbed pressure, and showed great rhythm.
Partnered by Washington Sundar (19*), Nair stitched an unbeaten 51-run stand for the seventh wicket, steadying the ship after a top-order wobble.
Rain Interruptions and Missed Opportunities
Rain had the final say multiple times. The first delay came just before lunch with India looking steady at 92/2. The second break, lasting over an hour, came after a mid-innings collapse had reduced them to 153/6.
England’s bowlers, especially Gus Atkinson (2/31) and Josh Tongue (2/47), exploited the pitch expertly. Stand-in captain Ollie Pope’s successful review to overturn Yashasvi Jaiswal’s LBW gave England an early boost. Chris Woakes chipped in with a wicket before leaving the field with a shoulder injury sustained while fielding.
Gill, Sudharsan Show Promise Before the Slide
India’s top order showed flashes of resistance. B Sai Sudharsan impressed with a confident 38, driving crisply and matching Gill in strokeplay. The duo added 42 runs before both fell in quick succession post the first rain delay, triggering a middle-order collapse. Gill, who became the highest run-scorer by an Indian captain in a Test series (surpassing Gavaskar’s 732), fell for 21.
Ravindra Jadeja and Dhruv Jurel couldn’t contribute significantly either, falling for 9 and 19 respectively, leaving the visitors in a precarious spot before Nair’s rescue act.
Final Word: All Eyes on Day Two
With overcast conditions expected to continue and India’s lower order exposed, Day Two promises to be crucial. Whether Nair and Sundar can push the score past 250 could dictate the tone of the match—especially in Bumrah’s absence.
Brief Scores: India 204/6 in 64 overs (Karun Nair 52*, B Sai Sudharsan 38; Gus Atkinson 2/31, Josh Tongue 2/47) vs England
