LONDON (AP) — Frustrated by a defiant India last time out, England's attack had more success on the first day of the fifth and final test but still has work to do after the visitors closed on 204-6 on Thursday.
Gus Atkinson (2-31) and Josh Tongue (2-47) claimed a pair of wickets each at the Oval. And on an impressive day for Atkinson, he also ran out series-leading run-maker and India captain Shubman Gill (21).
But Karun Nair's 52 not out on a rain-impacted day helped India recover from 38-2 when the wickets of Yashasvi Jaiswal (2) and KL Rahul (14) went before lunch.
Nair's stand was typical of India's resilience this series, which was showcased to such effect at Old Trafford last week when England looked on course for victory. Washington Sundar was 19 not out at close of play.
India needs to win the match to tie the series, which England leads 2-1.
No Stokes, but Atkinson impresses
England had looked to be in position to close out the series in the fourth test at Old Trafford last week but was held off by a stubborn India rearguard, which included three centuries in its second innings on its way to a draw.
Without captain and series-leading wicket-taker Ben Stokes through injury, the hosts might have feared the worst. Instead, England was far more effective with the ball at the Oval — largely thanks to Atkinson.
The fast bowler took the first and last wickets of the day — trapping Jaiswal leg before wicket early on and it was off his ball that Dhruv Jurel (19) was caught by Harry Brook.
Perhaps most impressive was his stumping of Gill by gathering the ball in his follow through and throwing the wicket down.
“There was pressure on for the bowling side with the conditions that were overhead. We didn’t want to get too far ahead of ourselves,” Atkinson told the BBC. "200-6, we are happy with that. An early wicket tomorrow and we will be in good position.”
Another injury concern
Stokes was ruled out with a shoulder injury and England was given more to worry about when Chris Woakes fell awkwardly as he tried to prevent a four late in the day.
The all-rounder, who also claimed the wicket of Rahul, was clearly in pain as he held his left shoulder. He was treated by medical staff and left the field with his arm cradled in a makeshift sling fashioned out of his sweater.
“It doesn’t look great. We haven’t really spoken about it yet. I will be surprised if he takes any part in the game,” Atkinson said.
India loses the toss again
Ollie Pope, leading England in the absence of Stokes, won the toss and put India in to bat.
It was the fifth time in the series that Gill has lost the toss and the 15th-straight international match that India has lost the toss.
“As long as we are winning the match I don’t mind losing the toss," India's captain said.
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AP cricket: https://apnews.com/hub/cricket
The Associated Press
