5th TEST Updates: Karun Nair reaches hard-fought 50

Thu, 31 July 2025

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23:55

Karun Nair reaches hard-fought 50

India 203-6 (62 Ovs) vs Eng | SCORECARD

Atkinson returns to the attack. Sundar defends the first two balls solidly, then finds the gap to pick up a single. Nair looks for a quick one off the next but is sent back just in time. A mix-up follows, but a run-out is averted as Tongue fumbles at mid-on. Sundar ducks under a short ball to end the over. Just 2 off it - after 61 overs, India are 199/6.

Here's Jacob Bethell, coming around the wicket. Nair on 49... Fifty for Karun Nair! His first of the series - he tucks it behind square for a couple to get there. The last time he crossed fifty in a Test, he converted it into an unforgettable 303*. He settles in with a couple of tight defences, then trades singles with Sundar.

4 runs from the over - after 62, India are 203/6.

23:48

Injury scare for England, Woakes leaves

India 197-6 (60 Ovs) vs Eng | SCORECARD

Overton continues. Nair taps it back to the bowler first up, then works a single to deep square leg. Sundar defends a couple before leaning into an overpitched delivery, driving it beautifully through the covers for three runs. Dot to end the over. 4 from it - after 59 overs, India are 188/6.

Tongue into his next. Sundar times it superbly, crisp drive racing away to the boundary. He's looking increasingly assured. He defends the next few solidly, then nudges one to square leg for a single. Nair closes the over with a boundary of his own, clipping it neatly behind square. 9 from the over - after 60, India are 197/6.

23:45

Injury scare for England, Woakes leaves field

India 184-6 (58 Ovs) vs Eng | SCORECARD

Overton continues. Nair finds the gap and tucks this to deep square leg for a single. Sundar follows up with a quick run to midwicket. Then Nair crunches a boundary, punching it through the off side. He defends the rest.6 from the over- after 55, India are 176/6.

Tongue into the attack.Sundar edges one but it drops just short of third slip. He collects a single next ball. Overpitched on middle and leg, Nair flicks it neatly to the right of mid-on - they run two. Nair sees out the rest calmly.3 off it - after 56 overs, India are 179/6.

Overton continues.Sundar opens with a solid defence. Then nudges one to point and sets off for a sharp single. Nair taps to point - no run. Overton bangs in a bouncer, Nair ducks under it. Next delivery, drama - Woakes looks to cut it off at mid-off but appears to injure his left shoulder while diving. Nair times it well and gets three as Woakes stays down, clearly in pain.

The physio rushes out-Woakes walks off clutching his arm inside his sweater. It may be a dislocation. More updates expected at stumps. Sundar ends the over with a single.5 runs from it - after 57 overs, India are 184/6.

The light has dimmed considerably at The Oval, and the floodlights are on. Tongue bowls a tight over - Sundar defends throughout. A maiden.

India remain 184/6 after 58.

23:18

Atkinson removes Jurel, India 6 down

India 170-6 (54 Ovs) vs Eng | SCORECARD

Overton continues. Nair picks up a couple to start the over. He then attempts a glance down to fine leg but misses - Pope and the bowler aren't interested, and neither is the umpire. No review taken.

Next up, Nair slams back-to-back boundaries, putting the pressure back on England. Big appeal for LBW on the last ball - the fielding side takes their time and eventually reviews. Nair, for his part, looked confident it was missing leg. And he's right - no bat, impact is umpire's call, and it's clearly sliding down.

A dot to finish.10 runs from the over - after 51 overs, India are 163/6.

Atkinson continues. Sundar leaves the first ball and defends the next couple. Then, Atkinson oversteps and a thick edge races away to the boundary - four more for India. Sundar defends the final three balls. 5 off the over - after 52, India are 168/6.

Overton into his next. Nair taps one back to the bowler, then gets beaten outside off. He responds with a neat tuck off his hips to deep backward square for a single. Sundar solid in defence to close out the over.

India 169/6 after 53.

Josh Tongue returns. Nair defends a tight line, then picks up a single to mid-on. Sundar blocks out the rest with ease. India move to 170/6 after 54 overs.

22:58

Atkinson removes Jurel, India 6 down

India 153-6 (50 Ovs) vs Eng | SCORECARD

Overton returns after the drinks break. Jurel throws his hands at a wide one and gets a thick top edge - it flies over the slips for four. He lets the next one go, then pushes to cover but can't find the gap. Beats the bat next, then clips a single to end the over. India 153/5 after 49 overs.

Atkinson continues. Jurel defends the first ball. Big shout for LBW - and the finger goes up! Jurel reviews immediately. Replay shows it nipped back in, but he got his bat well behind the pad while shouldering arms - decision overturned. But heartbreak follows on the very next ball!

Atkinson gets the edge this time, and Harry Brook takes a sharp catch at slip. Jurel walks back for 19 off 40.

In walks Washington Sundar - fresh off a century in Manchester.

He shoulders arms to the first delivery. Leaves the next one as well. Its a wicket maiden to start his innings.

After 50 overs, India are 153/6.

22:44

India rebuilds through Jurel, Nair

India 148-5 (48 Ovs) vs Eng | SCORECARD

Woakes continues. A poor line and Jurel calmly glances it through backward square towards the shortest boundary - four runs. He sends the next one straight back to the bowler, then defends patiently. A tidy tuck off the pads to midwicket fetches him a couple more. Six runs from the over. After 47 overs, India are 143/5.

Atkinson steams in. Nair starts with two solid blocks, then drives a fuller ball stylishly through covers- doesn't reach the boundary, but they run three. Next ball, a big appeal from Atkinson, but it's immediately cut short by a no-ball call- no review possible. Jurel adds a single next, and Nair defends the last one out. Five runs from the over.

After 48 overs, India are 148/5. Drinks called.

A gritty little phase from Jurel and Nair, India rebuilding steadily.

22:33

India lose two quick wickets

India 137-5 (46 Ovs) vs Eng | SCORECARD

Atkinson returns to the attack. Jurel can't quite connect on the first delivery, then defends solidly. He leaves the next two deliveries alone, before safely blocking the final balls of a tight over. After 44 overs, India are 132/5.

Woakes continues. Nair gets off strike with a quick single to midwicket after tapping it off his pads. Jurel defends a couple before nudging one towards midwicket for another single. Nair sees off the last two balls. After 45 overs, India are 134/5.

Atkinson keeps going. Jurel shoulders arms to the first two, then flicks one to midwicket for a single. Nair ducks under a sharp bouncer, then drives one to covers for a single. Jurel picks up another to end the over. Three runs from it. After 46 overs, India are 137/5.

22:20

Sudharsan, Jadeja depart

India 132-5 (43 Ovs) vs Eng | SCORECARD

Woakes continues and Karun pushes the fullish delivery to mid-off. No run on offer.

Woakes then bangs in a short of a length delivery and Karun looks to chase it but at the last moment changes his mind and lets it go.

He sees off the next four deliveries too. A maiden over for Woakes.

Tongue with a fresh over and Jurel is on strike. First ball goes down the leg and Jurel is not interested.

Short of a length delivery on the leg side follows and Jurel clips it to the one-side. No run on offer.

A wide delivery outside off and another outside leg follow. The umpire calls the second a wide.

A dot later, Jurel smashes the low full toss to the square off the wicket but Bethel cuts it before hitting the ropes. The batters cross over.

Karun then lets go a full length delivery outside off. Two runs come off the over.

Woakes from the other end and Jurel leaves the length delivery outside off.

Jurel then tucks the short of a length delivery on middle and off through square leg for a couple.

He then picks up a quick single by tapping one to the off-side. Karun has to put in a dive to make his ground.

Four! Karun looks to defend a good length delivery outside off but the ball takes a thick edge and flies past the keeper. It was so close to his leg stump!

Two dots follow. Seven come off the over.

22:06

India 5 down; Jadeja departs

India 123-5 (40 Ovs) vs Eng | SCORECARD

Overton with his tenth over. He starts with a good length delivery outside off and Jadeja lets it go. A dot later, Jadeja gets off the strike after edging one to short fine leg.

One run (leg bye) follows as Karun misses a flick and the ball rolls down the leg after hitting his pads.

Two dots follow. Just 2 come off the over.

Tongue continues and Karun greets him with an elegant cover drive for a boundary.

A shortish delivery down the leg side follows and Karun ignores it.

Two dots later, Tongue errs his line and Karun works it to the fine leg for four runs.

A dot to end the over. Four come off it.

After a 10-over spell Overton makes way for Woakes. Jadeja ignores the first delivery, full and angling away, and defends the following fullish one.

Another dot later, Jadeja drives one to mid-off where skipper Ollie Pope fumbles, allowing the batter to picks three runs.

Karun is on strike and lets go the next and gently drives the next to cover.

Three runs come off the over.

Tongue continues and Jadeja flicks and misses the first delivery, but the ball races down to the ropes (four, leg byes)

Four more! Shortish delivery and Jadeja uppercuts it over the cordon.

Out! Jadeja goes, caught by Jamie Smith. Excellent delivery on off and Jadeja attempts a push but nicks it to the keeper.

He goes after making 9 off 13 balls with the help of a boundary.

Dhruv Jurel is the new man in. He plays out the remaining three balls.

8 come off the successful over.

21:48

Tongue sends back Sudharsan

India 102-4 (36 Ovs) vs Eng | SCORECARD

Overton continues and Karun taps the fullish delivery to cover and picks up a single.

A dot later, Overton bangs in a shortish delivery and Sudharsan rides the bounce to smash is past gully for a boundary.

A fullish delivery on the pads and Sudharsan drags it to mid-wicket. No run on offer.

Two more dots end the five-run over.

Atkinson with a new over and Karun stays in the crease and defends the first four balls before leaving the fifth one. The final one is an outswinger and Karun edges it to gully. Fifth maiden in the innings for Atkinson.

India are 96-3 in 34 overs. They are currently scoring at a rate of just over 2.80.

Overton with another over and Sudharsan blocks the short of a length delivery before tucking the next to the square leg.

Four! Short of a length delivery and Sudharsan looking to play inside the line edges it and the ball flies to the ropes through the gap between third slip and gully. That brings up India's 100.

Three dots end the four-run over.

Josh Tongue is back into the attack. Starts off with a wide delivery down the leg, forcing Smith to dive to his left to cut it.

Two dots later, Karun mistimes a push through covers and gets a single.

Out! Sudharsan is gone, caught by Jamie Smith. Short of a length delivery angling in and Sudharsan, looking to defend it off the backfoot, but the ball moves away late, taking a feather edge to the keeper.

He departs after making 38 off 108 balls studded with 6 boundaries.

Ravindra Jadeja comes to the crease and gets of the mark straightway by tapping one to backward point.

A dot to end the 2-run over.

India are 102-4 in 36 overs.

21:31

Match resumes after rain stoppage

India 91-3 (32 Ovs) vs Eng | SCORECARD

Players are out in the middle and Karun Nair and Sai Sudharsan will resume batting after a long rain-forced break.

Gus Atkinson with the ball and he starts with a fullish delivery on the stumps. Sudharsan blocks it with full face of the bat. He then defends the second ball to the cover region. No run on offer.

Sudharan leaves the next two balls before the fifth delivery hits him on the pads. A half-hearted appeal for leg before.

Another dot to end the maiden over.

Jamie Overton continues his spell from the other end. Karun Nair is on strike and the first delivery, a nip-backer, hits the splice of Karun's bat and deflects off his pad.

After another dot, Karun then opens his account by clipping a half-volley to leg for a couple.

Two dots later, Karun flicks another one drifting down the leg but misses. The ball rolls down the leg side off his pad and he picks up a brace (leg byes). Four come off the over.

Atkinson starts his fresh over with a shortish delivery outside off and Sudharsan shoulders arms and lets it go. Sudharsan then pushes the next delivery through gully and gets a couple.

A full inswinger on the pads follow but Sudharsan keeps it out.

Three more dots to follow. Two runs come off the over.

20:59

Rain halts play after Gill run-out

India 85-3 (29 Ovs) vs Eng | SCORECARD

The covers are being shaken off and rolled away as the sun makes a welcome return. A restart looks imminent.

20:40

Rain halts play after Gill run-out

India 85-3 (29 Ovs) vs Eng | SCORECARD

Tea will now be taken at 4:10 PM local time, with the covers still firmly in place.

20:07

Rain halts play after Gill run-out

India 85-3 (29 Ovs) vs Eng | SCORECARD

The umpires confer as the drizzle picks up, floodlights blazing at The Oval.

And that's it'- players head off again. It's not as heavy as the pre-lunch shower, but enough to bring out the covers.

Only about 30 minutes of play since lunch, and it brought one big moment: Gill's needless run-out for 21.

England were much more disciplined this session - just 13 runs conceded in 6 overs, plus that crucial wicket.

20:00

Gill run out by Atkinson direct hit

India 85-3 (29 Ovs) vs Eng | SCORECARD

Atkinson returns to the attack - and strikes, though not with the ball! He gets one to jag back into Gill, thudding into the midriff. The ball rolls to the left of the bowler, and suddenly Gill sets off for a run. But Atkinson is alert, swoops down in his follow-through, and nails the direct hit at the non-striker's end. Gill is run out for 21 off 35 balls.

A moment of madness - there was never a run there! Just when it seemed like Gill and Sai were settling into a rhythm, miscommunication costs India big.

Karun Nair walks in next.

Atkinson comes over the wicket, and Nair offers a solid defence. A wicket-maiden dream over for England.

Overton continues from the other end.

Sai Sudharsan plays out a few watchfully. One delivery swings well wide of off stump and is rightly called a wide. He nudges a single, and Nair adds another with a push to cover.

But wait - it's starting to rain again! A few umbrellas are going up in the crowd. After 29 overs, India are 85 for 3.

19:51

Play resumes

India 83-2 (27 Ovs) vs Eng | SCORECARD

Atkinson returns to the attack. Sai Sudharsan gets behind the line to defend solidly and shoulders arms to a few outside off - a tidy maiden. Overton from the other end, three slips in place. Gill is watchful early on but ends the over with a classy boundary through cover. After 25 overs, India are 76/2.

Atkinson continues. Sai steers one to cover for a couple, ducks under a sharp bouncer, and picks up a single behind square. Atkinson oversteps '" no-ball signalled - then sprays one too high, called wide. A dot to finish. 6 runs off the over. After 26, India are 82/2.

Overton charging in. Gill prods forward and defends to cover, then nudges a single past gully. Sai is solid in defence. Big appeal for caught behind, but the umpire isn't interested - no review either. Just 1 run off it. India move to 83/2 after 27 overs.

19:32

Play resumes

India 72-2 (23 Ovs) vs Eng | SCORECARD

The rain has cleared and the covers are coming off to loud cheers. Play will restart at 3 PM local time (7.30 PM IST).

Gill, Sudharsan, and the England fielders follow the umpires out - we're back on.

19:25

Rain returns to The Oval

India 72-2 (23 Ovs) vs Eng | SCORECARD

The rain has returned, and the pitch is being covered once again. The wait, unfortunately, continues.

19:20

Play set to resume at 7.30 PM

Here are the revised session timings for the remainder of the day:

Tea Break: 5:05 PM - 5:25 PM local time (9:35 PM - 10:00 PM IST)

Evening Session: 5:25 PM - 7:00 PM local time (10:00 PM - 11:30 PM IST), with an additional 30 minutes available to make up for lost overs.

19:11

Play set to resume at 7.30 PM

India 72-2 (23 Ovs) vs Eng | SCORECARD

Both umpires are out inspecting the outfield, chatting with the head groundsman as they assess the conditions.

Meanwhile, the groundstaff are busy remarking the crease - a clear sign that we're set for a restart at 3 PM local time (7:30 PM IST).

18:40

Covers off, inspection delayed

India 72-2 (23 Ovs) vs Eng | SCORECARD

The inspection has been delayed to 2:30 PM local time (7.00 PM IST), with umpires Ahsan Raza and Kumar Dharmasena set to assess conditions.

Still no action, but the pushback hints there's minimal concern over the outfield - just a little more time needed to get things match-ready.

18:13

Covers off, inspection at 6.30 PM

India 72-2 (23 Ovs) vs Eng | SCORECARD

The rain has finally eased at the Oval, and the covers are coming off with care - there's still plenty of surface water, so the groundsmen are working cautiously to avoid spillage.

The super sopper is in action across damp patches of the outfield, speeding up the drying effort.

A slight delay to the afternoon session is expected, but a long hold-up seems unlikely. Umpires will inspect conditions at 14:00 local time (6:30 PM IST).

17:56

Rain halts play, India 72/2

India 72-2 (23 Ovs) vs Eng | SCORECARD

The rain is now pelting down at The Oval, with dark skies overhead and the outfield completely soaked.

Full covers are firmly in place as spectators retreat to find shelter. It's a relentless downpour, though the forecast offers some hope of clearing skies later.

Still, even once the rain stops, a significant mopping-up operation will be needed before play can resume.

Here's hoping for a break in the weather and a return to some captivating cricket soon.

17:29

Sudden storm halts play, India 72/2

India 72-2 (23 Ovs) vs Eng | SCORECARD

Woakes continues from the Vauxhall End. Sai Sudharsan shoulders arms to the first and shows similar restraint for the next two deliveries. He then swings and misses at one outside off, but finishes the over on a positive note - cracking a boundary to get things moving. Four runs from the over. After 20 overs, India are 56 for 2.

Jamie Overton charges in again. Gill gets forward to defend the first delivery, then pulls a short one to deep backward square for a single. Sai defends solidly before guiding one to the left of gully for a single of his own. Gill ends the over in style, timing a lovely boundary through the covers. Six runs off it - after 21 overs, India move to 62 for 2.

Woakes returns and starts with two tight balls that Sai blocks well. But then comes a moment of brilliance - a glorious boundary driven with class. Sai plays the next one towards midwicket for no run and closes out the over with a well-run couple. Another productive over - six from it. After 22 overs, India are 68 for 2.

Overton continues. Gill lets the first ball go, then pounces on a loose one to smash a boundary. He pushes the next to mid-on and follows it with a dot towards cover. Just four from the over. After 23 overs, India are 72 for 2.

And now - chaos. Out of nowhere, a heavy storm has swept in. Rain is pelting down, umbrellas are up in the stands, and the players are sprinting off the field. The groundsmen rush in with covers, trying to protect the square as quickly as possible.

Early lunch has been taken at The Oval due to the sudden downpour.

17:07

50 comes up for India

India 52-2 (19 Ovs) vs Eng | SCORECARD

Tongue continues from the Pavilion End. He begins with a much-needed release for India - a cracking boundary, slammed with authority. He follows it up with a delivery on the pads that Gill works towards midwicket but can't find the gap. Gill then shoulders arms to two consecutive deliveries before ending the over with a solid defensive stroke. Four runs from it - after 17 overs, India are 44 for 2.

Woakes carries on. He beats Gill with a beauty that moves just enough to miss the edge. Gill pushes the next towards mid-on but no run there. He then steps out slightly and whips one past Bethell at midwicket for two - it lands just short of the fielder. He leaves the next delivery outside off and finishes the over with a push to mid-on. Two runs off it - after 18 overs, India are 46 for 2.

Jamie Overton is introduced into the attack. Sai Sudharsan bunts the first ball off his shoulder to the on-side for a quick single. Gill shoulders arms to a wide one, and the umpire signals it as such - one extra added. Next ball, Gill stands tall and creams a lovely punch through the covers for four. Overton responds with a short one, which Gill pulls confidently, but Pope at square leg makes a fine stop to deny any runs. Gill defends the next before pushing at one and getting beaten outside off.

Six runs from the over - after 19, India are 52 for 2.

16:51

Woakes strikes! Rahul departs for 14

India 40-2 (16 Ovs) vs Eng | SCORECARD

Change of ends for Woakes, who comes in over the wicket to Rahul with three slips and a gully in place. Rahul shoulders arms to the first ball, then pushes the next off the outer half of the bat towards cover for a single. Sai Sudharsan takes strike and defends solidly, leaving the next two deliveries with good judgement. Just a single from the over - after 14 overs, India are 37 for 1.

Tongue continues from the other end. He raps Rahul on the thigh pad with a delivery angled into the body, and the batters steal a quick leg bye. Sai Sudharsan pushes the next one into the covers but finds no run, then defends the rest of the over with a straight bat. Another tight over - just one run from it. After 15 overs, India are 38 for 1.

And now, a breakthrough! Woakes bowls a beauty - it nips back in and crashes into the stumps. Rahul is bowled for 14 off 40 balls. A big wicket for England, and India lose their second just as things were settling.

Shubman Gill walks out to a tense situation, greeted by four slips as he takes guard against Woakes. He watches the first delivery closely and lets it go through to the keeper. The next one is on a length and angles into his pads, rapping him on the thigh - but no damage done. Sai Sudharsan takes strike and works a good-length ball off his pads to deep backward square for a single. A dot ball ends the over.

Two runs and a crucial wicket in it - after 16 overs, India are 40 for 2.

16:37

England builds pressure with tight bowling

India 36-1 (13 Ovs) vs Eng | SCORECARD

Tongue delivers a probing over, tempting Rahul with a sharp outswinger, but the batter shows great discipline and lets it go. He follows it up with a solid block, then targets the yorker - which Rahul digs out well towards the leg side. Another leave and a tight defence complete a maiden over. Excellent control from Tongue.

Atkinson continues from the other end. Sai Sudharsan works one to the on side for a single. Rahul is content to play defensively, tapping it down and seeing out the rest of the over. Just one run from it - after 12 overs, India are 34 for 1.

The pressure stays on as England set two gullies for Tongue. He delivers a fiery inswinging yorker that floors Sai Sudharsan! There's a loud appeal for LBW, but umpire Kumar Dharmasena immediately signals an inside edge - no review. Sai regathers, leaves the next delivery, and then nudges one to mid-off for a couple. Two runs from the over.

After 13 overs, India are 36 for 1 - and that will be drinks.

16:23

Rahul, Sudharsan punish erratic Tongue

India 33-1 (10 Ovs) vs Eng | SCORECARD

An early bowling change as Josh Tongue replaces Woakes - but it's a wayward start. His first delivery is wide outside off and races away for four. He follows it up with another loose one, short and wide, but Rahul resists the temptation. Rahul then shows good awareness, guiding one into the off side for a sharp single. Sai Sudharsan leaves the next. Tongue continues to struggle with his lines - one dragged down outside off is called a wide, and another swings hopelessly down the leg side for another wide and a boundary. It's turning into a messy over. Sai blocks out the final deliveries.

A costly one for England - 12 runs off it. After 9 overs, India move to 30 for 1.

Atkinson carries on from the other end as the floodlights are switched on at The Oval - it's getting darker. Rahul times one beautifully through midwicket, and they run three as Woakes slips on the damp outfield. Sai defends the rest of the over. After 10 overs, India are 33 for 1.

16:13

Jaiswal departs early

India 18-1 (8 Ovs) vs Eng | SCORECARD

Atkinson continues and Rahul plays with caution, solidly defending throughout the over. It's a tidy maiden for Atkinson.

Woakes bowls the seventh over. Sai Sudharsan shoulders arms to the first delivery, then plays out two more dot balls. He finally breaks the silence with a crisp boundary, finding the gap beautifully. He defends the remaining two balls. Four runs off the over - after seven overs, India are 17 for 1.

Atkinson returns. Rahul rotates the strike with soft hands, guiding a single to point. Sai is watchful, leaving the next and defending the rest of the over. After eight overs, India are 18 for 1.

15:57

Atkinson strikes, Jaiswal departs early

India 13-1 (5 Ovs) vs Eng | SCORECARD

Woakes continues from the other end. Rahul starts the over with a crisp shot, driving firmly through midwicket for four. He defends the next delivery and then pushes one back to the bowler. A single to the leg side keeps him ticking. Jaiswal finishes the over with a single of his own - six runs come from it, and after three overs, India are 9 for no loss.

Atkinson starts the next over but oversteps - no-ball signalled. Then comes a big appeal for a catch behind! It looked like there might've been an inside edge' and England decide to review. UltraEdge confirms the spike - it's a clean review. Jaiswal has to walk back for 2 off 9 balls.

A big early breakthrough for England!

Woakes continues, and Rahul pushes one to the off side but cant find the gap. He lets the next one go before picking up a single through the off side. The field stays attacking for Sai, with three slips and a gully in place. He gets off the mark with a neatly placed single, followed by a delivery sliding into the pads thats nudged to square leg for another quick run - leg bye signalled. A dot ball ends the over.

Three runs from it, and after five overs, India are 13 for 1.

15:41

India off to a cautious start

India 3-0 (2 Ovs) vs Eng | SCORECARD

Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul stride out to the middle for the final Test, with India needing a win to level the series.

Chris Woakes, featuring in his fifth straight Test, has the ball in hand and four slips in place. Tension builds as he steams in to Jaiswal for the first delivery - it's solidly defended. A couple of balls later, Jaiswal opens the account with a single to the fence. Rahul follows suit, clipping one behind square for a single of his own. Jaiswal shows good composure, leaving the ball confidently outside off.

At the end of the first over, India are 2 for 0.

Gus Atkinson returns to the attack. KL Rahul clips the first delivery but cant pierce the gap. A sharp slower ball follows, which Rahul dead-bats back to the bowler. He finally gets a single through the covers to keep the scoreboard ticking. For Jaiswal, England set an attacking field with three slips and a leg gully. He watches carefully and shoulders arms to a delivery outside off.

Just one run came from the over - after two overs, India are 3 for 0.

15:13

England opt to bowl; Bumrah misses out

The captains have made their way to the middle, and the toss is done - England have won it and elected to bowl first.

Ollie Pope: 'We'll bowl first. It's a bit overcast, so it's a no-brainer to have a go with the ball on this pitch.'

Shubman Gill: 'Don't mind losing the toss as long as we win the game. I was a bit unsure yesterday about what we'd do - the overhead conditions made it tricky. It should be a good surface for the bowlers. We've made three changes: Jurel, Karun, and Prasidh come in for Pant, Shardul for Bumrah and Akash Deep is also coming in for Anshul Kamboj.'

15:11

Here are the playing XIs

Here are the playing XIs

India: Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Sai Sudharsan, Shubman Gill(c), Karun Nair, Ravindra Jadeja, Dhruv Jurel(wk), Washington Sundar, Akash Deep, Prasidh Krishna, Mohammed Siraj

England: Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope(c), Joe Root, Harry Brook, Jacob Bethell, Jamie Smith(wk), Chris Woakes, Gus Atkinson, Jamie Overton, Josh Tongue

15:03

Toss delayed due to rain but covers coming off

It's been an overcast morning with a light drizzle forcing the covers onto the pitch, delaying the toss.

However, there's some positive news now - the covers are coming off, raising hopes for a start soon.

14:26

Confident India target victory at Oval

Team India

Welcome to the coverage of the fifth and final Test between England and India at The Oval in London on Thursday.

After their thrilling escape in Manchester, India head into the fifth and final Test against England at The Oval brimming with confidence and with momentum on their side.

No one gave India a chance after England's massive 311 run first innings lead, but the visitors staged a sensational comeback with the bat in the second innings, powered by centuries from Shubman Gill, Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar, alongside a gritty 90 from K L Rahul.

However, the job isn't done as India brace up for a do-or-die Test at The Oval in London. Like most venues in the UK, India don't boast of an encouraging record at this venue, with just two wins from 15 Tests, and six defeats.

The forecast in London is not the most promising, as rain is expected in spells over the course of the Test.

According to Accuweather, evening showers are predicted for Day One, with likely thunderstorms.

In injured Rishabh Pant's absence, Washington Sundar and Ravindra Jadeja are expected to round up the top six following unbeaten hundreds that denied England a victory in the fourth Test.

The Indian management firmly believes in having a batting option till number eight and that could possibly lead to Kuldeep Yadav being once again left out of the playing eleven despite constant calls for his inclusion over the course of a long and gruelling series.

Dhruv Jurel will keep the wickets and could bat at seven in Pant's absence and Shardul Thakur might retain his place at eight despite not exactly enjoying the confidence of his skipper.

On the bowling front, Akash Deep is expected to replace Jasprit Bumrah in the playing eleven with the latter advised to not risky his body.

Mohammed Siraj will be the leader of the attack and third pacer's spot will go to either Prasidh Krishna or Arshdeep Singh, who has patiently waiting for his Test debut.

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