Ricky Ponting criticised Akash Deep’s post-wicket gesture towards Ben Duckett during the fifth Test, stating he would have reacted aggressively during his career. The incident occurred after Akash Deep dismissed the England opener, prompting Ponting’s initial disapproval. However, Ponting later softened his stance, appreciating Duckett’s composed reaction.
Yuzvendra Chahal opened up about his life in a recent podcast, discussing his divorce and experiences with Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. He shared emotional moments from the 2019 World Cup, revealing Kohli’s reaction to the semi-final loss. Chahal also addressed allegations of infidelity during his divorce, asserting his loyalty and expressing hurt over the accusations.
Tensions flared in the fifth Test between India and England as Sai Sudharsan and Ben Duckett engaged in a heated argument after Sudharsan’s dismissal. This confrontation punctuated a day of high drama, featuring 15 wickets and earlier exchanges between Joe Root and Prasidh Krishna. Despite the on-field intensity, India ended the day at 75/2, leading by 52 runs.
Ollie Pope’s surprising refusal to bowl spin under fading light led to an early stumps call on Day 2 of the fifth Test. Despite India’s aggressive fightback and a slender lead, Pope’s decision to halt play sparked debate, with England potentially sacrificing momentum. The day saw 15 wickets fall and India ending with a 52-run lead.
Day Two of the fifth Test at The Oval witnessed a dramatic collapse, with 15 wickets tumbling, the most in this series so far. England’s promising start faltered against India’s pace attack, led by Siraj and Krishna, who claimed four wickets each. India lost two wickets in their second innings, intensifying the pressure in this high-stakes encounter.
Mohammed Siraj etched his name in Indian cricket history, surpassing Sachin Tendulkar’s international wicket record. His fiery spell dismantled England’s middle order in the fifth Test, claiming crucial wickets and shifting momentum. Supported by Prasidh Krishna, Siraj’s performance helped India gain a crucial lead, setting the stage for a thrilling contest.
Prasidh Krishna downplayed his on-field exchange with Joe Root, calling it “just good banter” after a fiery second day. Krishna starred with 4 for 62 as India bowled England out for 247, restricting their lead to just 23 runs. India ended the day at 75/2 in their second innings, leading by 52, with Yashasvi Jaiswal unbeaten on 51.
England’s batting coach downplayed on-field exchanges during a tense second day of the final Test, emphasizing the good spirit of the game. India’s pacers fought back to dismiss England for 247, securing a narrow lead. Despite dropped catches and flared tempers, India ended the day at 75-2, holding a 52-run lead as the match remains finely poised.
England’s fielding woes resurfaced as Liam Dawson dropped Yashasvi Jaiswal, who was also earlier dropped by Harry Brook. India capitalized on these reprieves after dismissing England for 247, led by Siraj and Krishna’s four-wicket hauls, restricting the host’s lead to 23. India, aiming to level the series, will rely on Jaiswal to make the most of his second chance.
In a series where bowlers from both teams have been rotated, managed, and preserved, Mohammed Siraj has been the exception, running in hard every single time. On Friday, under a gloomy London sky, he brought India back with his lion-hearted effort and never-give-up attitude, something that, in the years to come, will be celebrated even more than his trademark “Celebrappeal,” remembered instead for his heart.