The fifth and final match of the five-Test series between India and England began on, 31 July, at the Kennington Oval in London. Batting first, India scored 204 runs for the loss of six wickets in 64 overs. At stumps on Day 1, Karun Nair (52) and Washington Sundar (19) were at the crease. Against the fine bowling of Atkinson (2 wickets for 31 runs) and Tongue (2 wickets for 47 runs), India kept losing wickets at regular intervals, and apart from Nair, no other batter could manage to settle on a pitch that favoured the bowlers.
Due to rain, only 64 overs of play were possible on the opening day. India had lost six wickets for 153 runs, after which Nair and Washington Sundar tried to steady the innings by adding an unbeaten 51-run partnership for the seventh wicket. In the 62nd over, Nair brought up his maiden half-century off 89 balls with a couple against Jacob Bethell and also took the team’s score past 200.
There is a forecast for rain on Day 2, and overcast conditions are expected to persist throughout the day. Batting will not be easy, and the batters will have to really fight against seam and swing. England’s Chris Woakes has reportedly been ruled out of the Test after suffering a shoulder injury, which might prove to be helpful for the Indian batters. England will now have to rely on the spin of Bethell and Root to complement the other three pacers.