ENG vs IND [WATCH]: Josh Tongue strikes big with two dream deliveries to dismiss Ravindra Jadeja and Sai Sudharsan | Day 1, Oval Test

The stage was set for a thrilling final Test between India and England at The Oval, but Day 1 turned into a dramatic encounter, thanks mainly to England’s Josh Tongue. In a rain-affected session that challenged both teams, Tongue’s sharp bowling spell swung the momentum in England’s favour by dismantling India’s middle order with two crucial wickets. As India desperately tries to draw level in the series, Tongue’s incisive spells have piled the pressure on the visitors, leaving them staring at a tough uphill battle.

Josh Tongue’s exceptional deliveries dismiss Ravindra Jadeja and Sai Sudharsan in a similar fashion

In a game where every delivery could prove decisive, Tongue emerged as the man with the golden touch. After India’s captain Shubman Gill fell to a run-out, the responsibility largely fell on Sai Sudharsan and Ravindra Jadeja to steady the innings. Sudharsan looked determined, occupying the crease with a gritty 38 off 108 balls, seemingly knitting together a steady partnership. However, Tongue had other plans. In the 36th over, he produced a masterpiece delivery—a ball that angled in sharply before nipping away late, fooling Sudharsan completely. The subtle late movement forced the left-hander into an edge, finding an easy catch behind the stumps by Jamie Smith. This was no ordinary wicket; it was a precision strike that demonstrated Tongue’s growing skill and adaptability, especially on a tricky pitch.

Just when India hoped to rebuild, Tongue struck again in the 40th over with a ball that was even craftier. This delivery was shorter in length but whipped off the surface, moving away just enough to unsettle Jadeja. The all-rounder, known for resilience and steady batting, found himself trapped in a vulnerable position, edging another catch to Smith. Jadeja’s dismissal for 9 runs came at a vital juncture when India needed stability, increasing the visitors’ predicament and raising the stakes for the series finale.

Here’s the video:

Like déjà vu, but with receipts. pic.twitter.com/vUF9F6ccaZ

— England Cricket (@englandcricket) July 31, 2025

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A mountain to climb for India in the final Test

The weather, much like the pitch and Tongue’s bowling, was unyielding on Day 1 at The Oval. Rain interruptions disrupted the rhythm, limiting playing time and adding a layer of complexity for both teams. Under such conditions, every wicket becomes a psychological blow, and Tongue’s twin strikes delivered a potent one-two punch to India’s hopes of setting a commanding total.

Currently trailing 2-1 in the series, India must clinch a win in this decider to avoid a loss in the series. Losing two key middle-order batters at this stage, Sudharsan, who had just found some form, and Jadeja, the experienced campaigner, has compounded their difficulties. Their fall has left the Indian batting lineup exposed, scrambling to steady the ship against a rising English attack hungry to seal the series. For England, this development is a clear sign of momentum and confidence. For India, it’s a stark reminder that the Oval pitch, made treacherous by conditions and tongue’s unplayable deliveries, demands unwavering focus and resilience in the coming days.

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