Atkinson throws down gauntlet on return before luck turns for England

Welcome to England, India. Or at least, welcome to the England you might have expected when touching down here at the start of June. Cloud cover, stoppages for rain, and seamers probing away on a green-tinged surface – the opening day at the Oval was certainly a far cry from what came before.

- Ali Martin

The problem for India, 2-1 down in the series and chasing only a share of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, was that they were the ones tasked with negotiating these new conditions after Shubman Gill lost his fifth toss in a row. By stumps, 7.30pm, the tourists had scrapped their way to 204 for six from 64 overs and Gus Atkinson was the toast of his home ground.

Figures of two for 31 from 19 overs did not tell the full story of Atkinson's return either. Arguably the most important strike witnessed came not from his brand of waspish fast-medium but a sparkling run-out of Gill for 21 in a six-over mini-session between the afternoon showers. Given the glowing form India's captain has been in this series, it felt like a defining moment.

It was a hugely self-inflicted dismissal too, Gill having dropped Atkinson into the off side with a defensive prod and set off for a single that simply never was on. Turning on his heels but already in trouble, he could only look on as Atkinson swooped in, took aim, and threw down the stumps with unerring precision. The look of anguish on Gill's face as he walked off was palpable.