The Oval: Day Two of the final Test between India and England at The Oval was anything but ordinary. Beyond the runs and wickets, the tension escalated into a heated on-field exchange between Indian vice-captain KL Rahul and umpire Kumar Dharmasena, following a clash involving Joe Root and Indian pacer Prasidh Krishna.
The drama began when Prasidh Krishna directed a fiery stare and a few sharp words toward Joe Root after dismissing a teammate. As the situation flared, Rahul stepped in, only to be cautioned by the umpire. Dharmasena reminded Rahul of the spirit of the game, saying, “Would you appreciate it if a bowler did the same when you were batting?”
Rahul’s terse reply, “Should we just bat and bowl and go home then?” added fuel to the simmering tension. The umpire, choosing not to escalate, said the matter could be dealt with after the game. The exchange underlined the growing intensity of the series decider, where emotions are running high and margins razor-thin.
Meanwhile, rain briefly halted play, but not before England managed to gain a slender lead over India's modest first-innings total of 224. At the time of the rain break, the hosts stood at 242 for eight in 48 overs just 18 runs ahead.
England’s top-order, led by a rapid-fire opening stand between Ben Duckett and Zak Crawley, initially threatened to wrest control with a 92-run partnership. However, the tide turned dramatically once the Indian pace battery found its rhythm.
Prasidh Krishna, who claimed four wickets, proved especially effective in breaking England’s momentum. Mohammed Siraj chipped in with three key scalps, including that of Joe Root (29), whose wicket came amid the on-field confrontation.
As the series hangs in the balance, Day Three promises more high-octane cricket both in skill and spirit.