WATCH: Jadeja falls for 9 as Josh Tongue puts India on the back foot in ENG vs IND 5th Test

On Day 1 of the fifth and final Test at The Oval, India experienced a major defeat when Ravindra Jadeja got out for only 9 runs. This sent the visitors into a difficult situation. England, having won the toss and decided to bowl in overcast conditions, made the most of the receptive wicket. The Indian top order found it difficult to play against the swinging ball, and Jadeja’s loss at the early stage dented their hopes of a solid first-innings total.

The day began with rain delays, and only six overs could be bowled in the afternoon session before tea was taken early. In that short period, India lost their skipper, Shubman Gill, who was dismissed for 21 after a run-out following a single that was misjudged. Sai Sudharsan and Karun Nair tried to rebuild a partnership with a gritty stand after tea, but Josh Tongue ended the stand with a brilliant ball that got Sudharsan out for 38. Soon after, he delivered another gem to get rid of Jadeja.

Jadeja walked in at number six, aiming to stabilize the innings. Tongue angled a delivery in from around the wicket. The ball straightened after pitching, took Jadeja’s outside edge, and was safely pouched by wicketkeeper Jamie Smith. The all-rounder’s dismissal left India reeling at 123/5, with England firmly in control.

Watch the video here

Josh Tongue - the first time was so nice, he had to do it twice ✌️

(via @englandcricket) #ENGvIND pic.twitter.com/CcFbntRCQe

— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) July 31, 2025

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Tongue’s Brilliant Spell Puts India on the Back Foot

Josh Tongue has been the standout bowler in the match, grabbing 2/32 and constantly troubling batters with his bounce and movement. His removal of Jadeja marked as turning point of the session. At the time of writing, India is 137/5 in 46 overs—Karun Nair 18*, Dhruv Jurel 7*.