India vs England LIVE Score, 5th Test Day 2: DRS Disaster Haunts India As Ben Duckett Makes Them Pay Moments Later

India vs England LIVE Score, 5th Test Day 2: DRS Disaster Haunts India As Ben Duckett Makes Them Pay Moments Later

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In the ongoing 5th Test between India and England, Day 2 brought a rollercoaster of emotions and a critical moment that might just define the day’s play. At a time when momentum seemed to be swinging in India’s favour, a hasty DRS call proved costly — and England opener Ben Duckett wasted no time capitalizing on it.

India’s Risky DRS Gamble Backfires

It all unfolded in the 28th over of England’s innings. A sharp delivery from Jasprit Bumrah angled into Duckett, thudding into his pad. The Indian fielders went up in unison, confident they had their man. But the umpire shook his head. After a brief discussion, India opted for the Decision Review System (DRS), hoping to overturn the decision.

Replays, however, revealed the ball had pitched just outside leg stump — missing the critical zone by a whisker. India lost the review, and the decision stood: not out.

Just four balls later, the worst-case scenario played out. A loose ball from Bumrah was stroked elegantly through covers by Duckett for a boundary, rubbing salt into India’s wounds. The frustration in the Indian camp was evident, and fans were quick to express their disappointment on social media. The miss highlighted India’s recurring DRS struggles, with many questioning the timing and judgment behind such reviews.

Duckett Seizes the Moment

The reprieve proved to be a turning point for Duckett, who had been batting with caution until that moment. Gaining confidence from his narrow escape, he began to shift gears. With precise footwork and a flurry of well-timed boundaries, he steadied England’s innings alongside fellow batters.

As the day progressed, Duckett brought up a gritty half-century, frustrating the Indian bowlers further. His innings not only repaired the early damage caused by England’s top-order collapse but also tilted the pressure back on the hosts.

India’s Day of Missed Opportunities

It wasn’t just the DRS mishap that haunted India on Day 2. Several half-chances went begging, and the bowlers lacked the ruthless edge that had been their trademark in earlier matches. While Bumrah and Siraj bowled with intent, England’s batters found ways to counter-attack.

India’s spinners, too, struggled to make a major impact, as the surface at Dharamsala offered limited assistance early in the day. Ravindra Jadeja and Ravichandran Ashwin bowled tightly, but Duckett and his partners kept rotating the strike, disrupting their rhythm.

England Fight Back

By Tea on Day 2, England had reached a solid position with wickets in hand and the scoreboard ticking steadily. Duckett’s resilience, coupled with disciplined support from Ollie Pope and Jonny Bairstow, ensured that India couldn’t dominate as expected.

The visitors’ strategy seemed clear — frustrate the bowlers, punish the loose deliveries, and take the sting out of India’s early advantage. And it worked. The missed DRS opportunity only underscored the fine margins that define Test cricket at the highest level.

A Test Match Poised for Drama

As stumps approach on Day 2, this Test match is shaping up into a thrilling contest. India’s decision-making, especially in using technology, has once again come under the scanner. Ben Duckett’s innings stands as a testament to how a single moment — a wasted review — can change the complexion of a game.

India will now look to regroup overnight, reassess their approach, and ensure they don’t let further opportunities slip away. With the series on the line, Day 3 promises to be pivotal — and fans can expect fireworks as both teams battle for supremacy.

Stay tuned for more LIVE updates from the 5th Test — because in Test cricket, the drama is never over.