England’s sharp fielding and a moment of miscommunication cost India dearly during Day 1 of the fifth Test at The Oval, as skipper Shubman Gill was run out in dramatic fashion for 21 off 35 balls. The moment, sparked by a mix-up with Sai Sudharsan and a slippery outfield, handed England a crucial breakthrough and left India reeling at 83 for 3.
The incident unfolded in the 28th over when Gus Atkinson bowled a length delivery around off stump. Gill, batting confidently, tapped it off the back foot towards the off side, close to the pitch, and instinctively set off for a quick single. However, his partner Sai Sudharsan immediately declined the run and remained rooted to his crease.
Caught in two minds, Gill turned to retreat but lost his footing on the damp surface and slipped while attempting to get back. Meanwhile, Atkinson showcased excellent athleticism by dashing to his left, scooping up the ball quickly, and releasing a direct throw at the striker’s end. The stumps were shattered with Gill nowhere in the frame.
As Gill walked back, disappointed and shaking his head, the home crowd at The Oval added a cheeky touch, waving him off with a collective "bye-bye" in mock sendoff. It was a moment that summed up the energy and alertness of the English side, and the mounting pressure on a faltering Indian top order.
IND Vs ENG, 5th Test: Ollie Pope's Successful DRS Call Draws Applause From Ben Stokes As Yashasvi Jaiswal Departs Early; Video
England drew first blood in the final Test of the series at The Oval, as fast bowler Gus Atkinson dismissed India opener Yashasvi Jaiswal for just 2 runs with a fiery delivery that crashed into the middle stump, thanks to a well-judged DRS call from captain Ollie Pope.
Bowling from around the wicket, Atkinson delivered one that jagged back sharply off a good length, angling in from outside off. Jaiswal, defending tentatively, brought his bat down at an awkward angle and was struck on the back pad. England appealed instantly for LBW, but the on-field umpire was unmoved.
There was an audible woody sound, prompting initial doubts, but Atkinson remained convinced, joined by enthusiastic voices from behind the stumps. Pope, equally confident, went upstairs for a review. On replay, it was clear: the bat and ball hadn’t connected. Instead, the ball brushed the front pad before thudding into the back pad.
Third umpire, after a brief check, confirmed no UltraEdge was needed. Ball tracking followed and it was damning for Jaiswal. Three reds lit up the screen as the ball was shown to be hitting middle stump. The on-field decision was overturned, and Jaiswal was sent back for 2 off 9 balls, leaving India at 10/1 in the early stages of the Test.
Captain Ollie Pope celebrated the successful review with a fist pump directed at the England dressing room, where injured talisman Ben Stokes, sidelined due to a shoulder issue, applauded the call. It was a moment of sharp captaincy and precise bowling, giving England the ideal start in a high-stakes encounter.
