London: Jasprit Bumrah (2/41) denied Alastair Cook (71, 190b, 8×4) a century before Ishant Sharma (3/28) striking thrice to lead India’s sensational fightback as the visitors reduced England to 198 for seven at stumps on a dodgy opening day of the fifth Test at the Oval here, Friday.
Ishant, Bumrah and Ravindra Jadeja (2/57) triggered England’s collapse in the final session after the English top order kept Indian bowlers at bay.
The 33-year-old Cook, who will retire from international cricket after this Test, played a fighting innings to give England a good start before the hosts lost six wickets for 58 runs post tea to collapse from 133/1 to 181/7.
The hosts were going strong at 133/1 when Bumrah dismissed Cook and Joe Root (zero) in a single over before Ishant removed Jonny Bairstow (zero) in the next over to reduce the hosts to 134/4.
Moeen Ali (50, 170b, 4×4) tried to resurrect England’s innings with a patient half century but Ishant returned to take two wickets in three balls in the 83rd over as England further slipped to 181/7.
Mohammed Shami (0/43) also toiled throughout the day and was immensely unlucky to not have picked up any wickets. He however, could have one when he trapped Jos Buttler (11 batting) in front and the field umpire gave the Englishman marching orders.
However, Buttler went for a review and his facial expressions suggesting he didn’t connect the ball with his bat. The DRS video showed a narrow gap between ball and bat, whereas snickometer showed an inside edge which forced the field umpire to overturn his decision.
Later, Buttler and Adil Rashid (4 batting) held their nerves to remain at the crease and help the hosts avoid further damage.