If England had written the script for their ideal start to Day 2, it couldn’t have played out more perfectly. Gus Atkinson led the hosts off the field, ball aloft, soaking in a standing ovation for his scintillating five-wicket haul that helped bundle India out for 224 in just over half an hour of play.
Resuming the morning at 204 for 6, India crumbled under pressure, adding just 20 more runs in 34 legal deliveries. England’s clinical finish came without their seasoned campaigner Chris Woakes, making the effort all the more impressive. While Josh Tongue was erratic with the ball, he chipped in with the vital breakthrough of Karun Nair before Atkinson took command, running through the rest of the lower order with precision and pace.
It was a disappointing showing from India’s batters, who repeatedly got starts but failed to capitalise. Only the partnership between Nair and Washington Sundar crossed the 50-run mark. The most frustrating moment for the visitors was perhaps the run-out of captain Shubman Gill, who has been in sublime form recently.
India had hoped that Nair and Sundar would lay a foundation on Day 2, but those hopes faded rapidly, leaving them well short of the total they might have envisioned on a pitch that’s starting to show signs of quickening. With sunshine forecast, the surface could harden further, and divots might come into play as the match progresses.
For India, the focus now shifts to consistency and discipline with the ball — hitting the right areas will be key. England, on the other hand, will eye a strong reply. With no Jasprit Bumrah to face, there are certainly runs to be had — as long as they can navigate the early threats and settle in.