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If you're an Indian fan, chances are you may have lost all hope after witnessing the opening session on Day 2 of the Oval Test. Trailing England 1-2 heading into the series finale, India desperately needed a strong showing in their first innings to keep their hopes of levelling the series alive. However, they endured what was arguably their worst session of the tour on Friday morning-losing their last four wickets for just six runs and conceding 109 runs in 16 overs. 

Even the most devoted Indian cricket fan might have considered switching off the television and planning a weekend that didn't involve watching the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy.

But then came a lion-hearted effort from Mohammed Siraj, ably supported by Prasidh Krishna, to script an almost implausible comeback with the ball. In the absence of their pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah, Siraj and Prasidh dug deep and ensured that England were dismissed for 247. Tempers flared, words were exchanged and the Test match, much like the rest of the series, ebbed and flowed on Day 2.

Yes, England did take a lead-but the 23-run advantage looked far less daunting than what they had been threatening earlier, especially when Duckett and Crawley were in full flow, scoring at over seven runs an over during their explosive opening



partnership.

Siraj picked up four wickets, taking his tally to a series-leading 18, while Prasidh delivered a vastly improved performance in the second session to claim four wickets of his own-including that of the rampaging Crawley, who seemed on course for a rapid century.

By the close of play, India had turned the tables, ending the day with a 52-run lead after reaching 75 for 2. Yashasvi Jaiswal scored a brisk half-century, riding his luck after being dropped twice-once on 20 and again on 40.

India lost No. 3 Sai Sudharsan with just 20 minutes left in the extended final session. In a tactical move, captain Shubman Gill opted not to walk in and instead sent in Akash Deep as nightwatchman.

However, play was called off 15 minutes before the scheduled close after England captain Ollie Pope refused to bring on his spinners when the fading light was not good enough to operate with fast bowlers. It was a questionable decision, and India headed into stumps with their nightwatchman still at the crease alongside the well-set Jaiswal.

Jaiswal extended India’s advantage with a fluent fifty. While the young opener certainly enjoyed a bit of luck, he ensured the scoreboard kept ticking. Unafraid to take risks, Jaiswal recognised that a purely defensive approach might not suit the spicy pitch at The Oval.
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Which Men's cricket team will win the five Test matches series going to be held in UK?

India
England
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