Rain Interrupts Day 1 of Oval Test as India Reaches 85/3; Shubman Gill’s Run-Out Sparks Setback
New Delhi, July 31 (The Trending People):
Day 1 of the fifth and final Test match of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy at The Oval was interrupted by persistent rain, forcing an early tea break. At the time of suspension, India were 85 for 3 after 29 overs in challenging overcast conditions.
Only six overs could be bowled after the lunch break due to rain delays that lasted more than two hours. In that short phase, India lost a crucial wicket as skipper Shubman Gill was run out in an unexpected turn of events.
Gill’s costly misjudgment adds pressure
Shubman Gill, the highest run-scorer of the series so far, seemed in control before a lapse in judgment cost him his wicket. On the second ball of the 28th over, Gill set off for a quick single that wasn’t on, and slipped mid-way. England’s Gus Atkinson, following through after delivering the ball, picked it up swiftly and scored a direct hit at the striker’s end, sending Gill back for 21 runs.
Earlier, Gill showed glimpses of form with a crisp cover drive boundary off Jamie Overton but couldn’t convert the start into a big score, as India’s innings stuttered on a pitch offering significant movement.
Sai Sudharsan shows grit, Nair holds ground
B. Sai Sudharsan, playing only his second Test, continued to bat with solid technique and temperament. He remained unbeaten on 28 off 84 balls, holding India’s innings steady amid challenging swing and seam conditions.
Karun Nair, who returned to the Test side in place of Shardul Thakur, was at the crease with him but had not yet opened his account after facing eight deliveries. With rain cutting short the session, both batters will have to resume afresh on a pitch that continues to assist bowlers.
England bowlers make early inroads
The English pace attack, led by Gus Atkinson and Chris Woakes, kept things tight throughout the day. Atkinson’s disciplined spell was rewarded with Gill’s run-out, while Woakes dismissed opener Yashasvi Jaiswal earlier in the innings. The green-tinged pitch at The Oval has so far lived up to expectations, offering both seam and swing under cloudy skies.
Brief Score:
India 85/3 in 29 overs
(B. Sai Sudharsan 28*, Shubman Gill 21; Gus Atkinson 1-13, Chris Woakes 1-28)
Final Thoughts from TheTrendingPeople.com:
With more rain in the forecast and a pitch aiding movement, the fifth Test promises to be a battle of patience and grit. India will be hoping their middle order can weather the conditions, while England aims to exploit the early momentum