England’s Atkinson breaks 129-year-old record with fiery five-wicket haul against India

Srinagar, Aug 2: England pacer Gus Atkinson achieved a historic feat on Day 2 of the fifth and Final Test against India at The Oval in London. The pacer missed the first four matches due to an injury but made a stunning comeback to the longest format with a brilliant performance against India. He took five wickets as England bundled out India for 224 after opting to bowl first. Atkinson's wikets included Yashasvi Jaiswal, Dhruv Jurel, Washington Sundar, Mohammed Siraj, and Prasidh Krishna.

With an average of 21 and an impressive strike rate of 34.9, Atkinson became only the second bowler in Test history to take 60 wickets at a strike rate below 35 — breaking a record that had stood for 129 years.

The only bowler ahead of him is England legend George Lohmann, who took 60 wickets at a strike rate of 34.1 before retiring in 1896. Australian seamer Scott Boland ranks third, with a strike rate of 36.

India was bowled out for 224, with Karun Nair (57 off 109) and Washington Sundar (26 off 55) contributing a vital 59-run partnership for the seventh wicket. Atkinson starred with the ball, finishing with 5/33, while Josh Tongue supported well with 3/57.

In response, England managed 247 in their first innings. Zak Crawley (64 off 57) and Ben Duckett (43 off 38) gave a blazing start with a 92-run opening stand. However, India’s pace duo Prasidh Krishna (4/62) and Mohammed Siraj (4/83) triggered a collapse. Harry Brook tried to anchor the innings with a fluent 53 off 64, but couldn’t prevent a narrow lead of 23 runs.

By stumps, India reached 75/2, with Yashasvi Jaiswal unbeaten on 51 and nightwatchman Akash Deep on 4. The hosts now lead by 52 runs heading into Day 3.