Team India once again faced a major batting collapse in London — this time at The Oval, where they lost their last 4 wickets for just 6 runs on Day 2 of the final Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy. This marks the third time in the series that India’s batting has dramatically crumbled on a London pitch, raising serious concerns about the lower-order resilience.
Oval Test Nightmare Comes True
What many had feared before the Test began turned out to be true. On a pitch with a thick layer of green grass under cloudy skies, England’s pace attack proved too good, bundling out India for just 224 runs in the first innings. The team had resumed Day 2 at 204/6, and hopes were pinned on Karun Nair and Washington Sundar, who had stitched together a crucial partnership before stumps on Day 1. However, the innings wrapped up quickly — lasting just 28 minutes into the second morning.
Tail-End Collapse: 3 Ducks in a Row
Once Karun Nair was dismissed at 218, the collapse was swift and shocking. The remaining three batters — Akash Deep, Mohammed Siraj, and Prasidh Krishna — failed to open their accounts, leaving the scoreboard at a modest 224. The lower order's inability to contribute once again exposed a major vulnerability in the Indian setup.
Rain, Resistance, and Then Collapse
Day 1 had already been interrupted by rain, restricting play to just 64 overs. Still, India looked to be in a decent position at 204/6, thanks to a fighting half-century by Karun Nair and a steady hand from Washington Sundar. But the team could only add 20 more runs on Day 2, crumbling under disciplined bowling from England.
History Repeats: Third Collapse in London This Series
This was not an isolated incident. India has now suffered three major batting collapses in London during this series:
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Third Test at Lord's – First Innings:
From a solid 376/6, India collapsed to 387 all out — losing 4 wickets for just 11 runs. -
Third Test at Lord's – Second Innings:
From 41/1, India lost 6 wickets for 41 runs, slumping to 82/7. -
Fifth Test at The Oval – First Innings:
From 218/6, the team collapsed to 224 all out — losing 4 wickets for 6 runs.
A Worrying Pattern for Team India
India’s repeated failures to finish innings strongly, especially from promising positions, are raising concerns ahead of upcoming challenges, including the T20 World Cup 2026. The team’s lower order has been a weak link, and unless addressed, it could prove costly in tighter contests.
