Struggling India faces setbacks in the decisive England match, with Atkinson and Tongue making significant impacts
In the ongoing Surrey Test at The Oval, India found themselves in a challenging position, losing key batsmen early in their innings. Shubman Gill, who was India's captain for this match, was run out by England fast bowler Gus Atkinson for 21, leaving India struggling at 38-2[1].
Ollie Atkinson, who was bowling on his Surrey home ground, was the standout performer for England, taking 2-31 in 19 overs. Gill slipped as he tried to turn back to safety after being run out[2]. This unfortunate incident came just after Dhruv Jurel was caught at second slip by Harry Brook off the bowling of Ollie Atkinson for 19, leaving India at 153-6.
Ravindra Jadeja scored nine runs before being dismissed by Chris Tongue, also edging the ball to Jamie Smith. Sai Sudharsan was dismissed for 38 by Chris Tongue, edging the ball to wicketkeeper Jamie Smith. KL Rahul scored 14 before being dismissed by Chris Woakes.
The current schedule of five Tests in less than seven weeks has taken its toll on both teams. Despite the setbacks, Karun Nair scored 52 not out for India, and Washington Sundar was unbeaten on 19.
There was a shoulder injury to Chris Woakes while diving to save a boundary, potentially ruling him out of the rest of the match[3]. England team spokesman stated that Woakes would be assessed overnight, with a further update on his fitness due Friday.
Shubman Gill needed 53 more runs to break Sunil Gavaskar's record for the most runs scored by an India batsman in a Test series[4]. However, with several key batsmen back in the pavilion, India will need a strong performance from their remaining batsmen to achieve this milestone.
[1] - https://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/story/1299954.html [2] - https://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/story/1299953.html [3] - https://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/story/1299955.html [4] - https://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/story/1299956.html
Despite the ongoing challenges, India's batsmen still have a chance to shine in the sports arena, particularly Karun Nair and Washington Sundar, who are yet to deliver their best performances in the ongoing Surrey Test. Shubman Gill, who is only 53 runs shy of breaking Sunil Gavaskar's record for the most runs scored by an Indian batsman in a Test series, could potentially accomplish this milestone if he and his teammates can recover from their current difficult position.
