MOVING DAY AT THE OVAL

Siraj, Prasidh take four wickets each as visitors restrict England to 247 on Day 2 of 5th Test

- FIROZ MIRZA @LONDON

DURING England's first innings early on Day 2 of the fifth and final Test here at the Oval, it was looking like India pacers were operating on an altogether different surface. The wicket, which made the ball talk when the English pacers were bowling, seemingly has gone on sleep mode. The duo of Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett might have pressed the button with their explosive opening partnership that dismantled India's pace attack.

They lost Duckett (38-ball 43) but England were cruising at 109/1 after 16 overs at lunch. Post-break session saw them lose wickets of Crawley (64 off 57) and captain Ollie Pope inside 10 overs but the hosts were still in control when drinks were taken after 30 overs. They were well placed at 161/3 with ever-reliable Joe Root and quick scorer Harry Brook unbeaten on 16 and 7 runs, respectively.