Ricky Ponting criticizes Washington Sundar’s soft dismissal as India falls apart in the 5th Test on Day 2. Atkinson claimed five wickets for the day.

On the second day of the fifth Test, India hoped Karun Nair and Washington Sundar would help them get a good start, but the exact opposite happened. Nair was the first to go when he missed a fuller-length in-dipper from Josh Tongue. It hit him right in front of the stumps and umpire Kumar Dharmasena had no doubts before raising his finger. Karun took a review for reasons he only knew about. He was already halfway to the Indian dressing room when the ball tracking came.

Washington Sundar, attempting an unconvincing pull shot, was undone by England’s well-executed short-ball strategy. Gus Atkinson deliver a sharp bouncer, and Sundar hit it straight to Jamie Overton, who took a safe catch.

Despite his score of 26, Sundar appeared stunned by his dismissal. He stood frozen at the crease in disbelief before slowly making his way back to the pavilion.

In the ongoing series, Sundar has been dismissed by the short ball several times. While he has often resorted to the hook shot, it has also been his downfall, especially when played with hesitation.

That’s exactly what happened on Friday, said former Australia captain Ricky Ponting. “A bit of a nothing shot, half-hearted. You’ve got to get on top of that and hit it over the top. There was a bit more purpose but it was not enough,” Ponting said on commentary.

Former India head coach Ravi Shastri said Atkinson “set Sundar up nicely.”

India’s lower order lost hope on this seaming green surface after Karun and Sundar were dismissed. It took only four balls for Gus Atkinson to get rid of the final two batters and secure his fourth five-wicket wicket. Mohammed Siraj was bowled by a fuller ball that nipped away, and Prasidh Krishna edging one behind to the keeper shortly thereafter.

On Day 2, India were dismissed for 224 in 69.4 overs after resuming at 204 for six. Karun Nair led the charge with 57, Sai Sudharsan scored 38, and Washington Sundar contributed 26.

Atkinson was once more the standout bowler for England, finishing with five wickets for 33. He relentlessly bowled in the right areas, exploiting the lively pitch to the maximum.

While erratic at times, Josh Tongue delivered two cracking deliveries to send back Ravindra Jadeja and Sudharsan, picking up 3 for 57 in the process.