The day began with India's first innings crumbling swiftly. Resuming at 181-6, they lost their last four wickets in just six overs, bowled out for 224.
Gus Atkinson's fiery 5-33, backed by Josh Tongue's 3-57, set an aggressive tone for England. However, the hosts' batting faltered under testing conditions, managing 247 in their first innings to secure a modest 23-run lead.
England's innings was ignited by a blistering 92-run opening stand between Zak Crawley (64) and Ben Duckett (43), scored in under 13 overs.
Crawley's 14 boundaries showcased his flair, while Duckett's audacious strokeplay, including a reverse-swept four and a scooped six, electrified the crowd.
Yet, Duckett's dismissal, caught attempting another reverse off Akash Deep, triggered a collapse, with England losing nine wickets for 155.
Mohammed Siraj (4-86) and Prasidh Krishna (4-62) led India's fightback, with Siraj's relentless eight-over spell dismissing Ollie Pope, Joe Root, and Jacob Bethell lbw.
Tensions simmered throughout, with verbal exchanges between Krishna and a visibly irked Root adding spice to an already intense series. India's bowlers, despite missing Jasprit Bumrah, outshone England's attack, with Siraj stepping up as the spearhead.
England's bowlers, led by Atkinson, struck early in India's second innings, but their fielders faltered. Yashasvi Jaiswal, unbeaten on 51, survived two drops, by Harry Brook and substitute Liam Dawson, while Sai Sudharsan was reprieved once before falling lbw to Atkinson.
These errors, coupled with Chris Woakes' absence due to a shoulder injury, left England ruing missed opportunities.
India's resilience, reminiscent of their rearguard in the drawn fourth Test at Old Trafford, has put them in the driver's seat. With Jaiswal anchoring the innings, they are well-placed to push for a series-levelling victory on day three.
England, however, will need a disciplined bowling effort and sharper fielding to claw their way back and avoid a 2-2 series draw.
Summary:
Fifth Rothesay Test, The Kia Oval (day two of five)
India 224 (Nair 57, Atkinson 5-33, Tongue 3-57) & 75-2 (Jaiswal 51*)
England 247 (Crawley 64, Brook 53, Duckett 43; Siraj 4-86, Krishna 4-62)
India lead by 52 runs
On a rain-interrupted opening day at The Oval, England clawed their way to a strong position, reducing India to 204-6 in 64 overs, but their joy was tempered by a worrying injury to key seamer Chris Woakes.
Australian legend Nathan Lyon believes Jack Leach is still England’s best spinner, picking him over Shoaib Bashir.
Newcastle have opened discussions with Southampton over a potential move for England international goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale, with both loan and permanent options being explored.
Ben Stokes says he is ready to push through the pain barrier once more as England prepare for a decisive fifth Test against India at The Oval.
