IND vs ENG 5th Test Live Updates Day 2: England light on firepower, Chris Woakes ruled out; boost for Indian batting

India vs England 5th Test Live Updates Day 2: Karun Nair’s gritty fifty on Day 1 was a crucial knock in steadying India’s innings, but the job is far from done. As he resumes on Day 2 unbeaten on 52, the focus must now shift to converting it into a big hundred — something India desperately need after a wobbly top order. With overcast conditions likely and England’s bowlers probing, Nair’s ability to carry on will be vital in pushing India towards a competitive total.

India vs England 5th Test Live Updates Day 2: Throughout this tour, one of India’s struggles has been losing wickets as soon as day’s play begins, the overnight reset seeing a loss in focus and a window being opened for England. A similar thing seems to happen right before lunch. Key for India to avoid lapses like those.

India vs England 5th Test Live Updates Day 2: At this point in time, if you ask India’s batters if they want a batting wicket or a swinging, hooping surface like they faced yesterday, they might actually opt for the latter. They will have memories of what happened in Manchester, where they battled the swinging ball early so beautifully but saw the pitch flatten out when it was England’s turn to bat. For an Indian win, struggling through the swinging ball will be something they have to master for one last time.

India vs England 5th Test Live Updates Day 2: England’s bowling has certainly taken a beating, but their batting is still in a good spot, especially with Atkinson and Overton coming in to extend the batting even more. The cheaper they can dismiss India for, the stronger their chances of establishing a big lead against Bumrah-less India.

India vs England 5th Test Live Updates Day 2: Usually, you would ask Karun and Washington to simply see out the first hour befor elooking to capitalise. However, with 16 overs to go to the second new ball, the first hour will end with another threat looming. India have been patient with their batting throughout the series, but in need of runs today with their last partnership, what will the plan be?

India vs England 5th Test Live Updates Day 2: A scary moment for England late in the day yesterday, as their veteran seamer Chris Woakes hurt himself fielding, and now is expected to miss the remainder of this match due to that injury.

England will certainly miss his bowling, with all the responsibility now on the shoulders of Atkinson and Tongue as well as Overton, but will also miss the added steel that his batting provides.

India vs England 5th Test Live Updates Day 2: Only 64 overs were delivered on Day 1 as rain on two or three occasions through the day forced some delays. Thankfully, not too many overs were lost, but the weather will stick around for Day 2 as well. The good news is that showers are expected only towards the evening, closer to stumps, which might allow for plenty of cricket, touchwood.

India vs England 5th Test Live Updates Day 2: At the other end from Karun is Washington Sundar, who scored a remarkable century at Old Trafford last week. This is the last recognised batting pair.

India vs England 5th Test Live Updates Day 2: A much better go of it by Karun Nair, returning after being dropped in the fourth Test. Slotting into number 5, Karun finally made good of a positive start, converting to a half-century — his first since his famous 303*, nine years ago.

Batting on 52*, Karun will be key to India’s hopes of pushing their total forward. Can he go on and get a big one?

India vs England 5th Test Live Updates Day 2: A balanced showing on day one, with England taking six Indian wickets but the visitors scratching together enough runs to put them in a decent position on what has been an extremely tough and typically English pitch for batting early on in this contest.