IND vs ENG, 5th Test Day 1: IND 204/6 at Stumps, Karun Nair and Washington Sundar on Crease
✍️ Written by: Karan Singh Rathod
IND vs ENG, 5th Test Day 1: Rain and Thunderstorms Poised to Shake Up London Test
With the five-match series delicately poised at 2-1 in England’s favour, India and England face off in the fifth and final Test at Kennington Oval, starting Thursday. While both teams are expected to shuffle their XIs—Ben Stokes is out for England, and Jasprit Bumrah’s availability remains uncertain for India—it’s the weather that could dominate headlines. Day 1 is forecast to be heavily rain-affected, with thunderstorms also expected to complicate matters.
London Weather: A Cloudy Obstacle
According to AccuWeather, Day 1 could see up to four hours of rain, with an 86% chance of precipitation and a 26% chance of thunderstorms. Thick cloud cover is expected throughout, potentially disrupting the start and rhythm of the match. And the wet conditions won’t be limited to Day 1—rain is predicted on all five days, with Day 2 also under a high threat of showers.
Team Changes and Injury Concerns
England have made four changes, with Jacob Bethell debuting and Stokes sitting out. Jofra Archer and Brydon Carse are being rested, while Atkinson, Overton, and Tongue return. India could recall Akash Deep if Jasprit Bumrah is rested, as he continues to manage a previous back injury.
Live Updates
- 00:05 (IST) 01 Aug 2025
Karun Nair Steadies India to 204/6 on Rain-Hit Opening Day, Day 1 Stumps
On a testing surface under overcast skies, India battled to 204/6 by stumps, led by Karun Nair’s unbeaten 52. Despite early setbacks including the run-out of Gill and soft dismissals of Sai Sudharsan and Jadeja, Nair’s composed knock provided stability. England, despite helpful conditions, lacked consistency with the ball.
- 00:04 (IST) 01 Aug 2025
Karun Nair Brings Up Crucial Half-Century with Calm Flick
Karun Nair reached his fifty with a composed shot off Jacob Bethell, clipping a thigh-high delivery to deep backward square for two runs. He acknowledged the milestone with a quiet raise of the hand, earning applause from the dressing room. It’s a vital knock both for the match and his comeback hopes.
- 23:10 (IST) 31 Jul 2025
Jurel Falls to Sharp Bouncer as Atkinson Strikes Again
Dhruv Jurel’s innings came to an end as he fell to extra bounce from Gus Atkinson. Attempting a cut, Jurel couldn’t handle the steep rise and edged it to Harry Brook at second slip. Brook pulled off a sharp, athletic catch to dismiss Jurel for 19, leaving India six down and under pressure.
- 22:31 (IST) 31 Jul 2025
Jadeja Perishes to Sharp Lifter from Tongue in Testing Spell
Ravindra Jadeja couldn’t survive a rising delivery from Josh Tongue that forced a tentative push and found the edge. The ball climbed sharply off a short length and moved away just enough to catch Jadeja off guard. He edged it to Jamie Smith for 9, giving Tongue his second breakthrough.
- 22:31 (IST) 31 Jul 2025
Sai Sudharsan Falls to Peach from Tongue After Gritty Knock
Sai Sudharsan’s resistance came to an end after a testing delivery from Josh Tongue forced an outside edge to keeper Jamie Smith. The short-of-length ball nipped away just enough to beat Sudharsan’s bat, catching him squared up. He walked off for a hard-earned 38 off 108 balls without waiting for the umpire.
