Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy’s fifth and final Test at The Oval delivered high-octane drama on Day 2, not just through wickets and runs, but also via a heated on-field altercation. The spotlight fell on India’s Sai Sudharsan and England’s Ben Duckett as a routine dismissal escalated into a verbal spat, adding even more intensity to an already fiercely contested series. As tempers boiled over in the final session, the Test match’s balance seemed as precarious as the players’ tempers, with the series in the balance and emotions running high.

Sai Sudharsan turns back to give a mouthful to Ben Duckett 

Sudharsan’s short stay at the crease ended in frustration as he was trapped LBW by Gus Atkinson. The ball, a low, skiddy delivery, thudded into his pads; all three DRS parameters—pitching, impact, and wickets—came up red, confirming the on-field umpire’s decision. After a brief but hopeful conversation with non-striker Yashasvi Jaiswal, Sudharsan opted to review, only for technology to dismiss his appeal. As he started his walk back, what was expected to be a quiet exit turned sharply as Duckett directed pointed words his way. The provocation proved enough for Sudharsan to halt, turn back, and engage, unleashing what could only be described as a mouthful in Duckett’s direction.

Onlookers witnessed both players at the heart of a fiery exchange, necessitating the prompt intervention of England’s Harry Brook and acting captain Ollie Pope to cool tempers before the situation escalated further. The incident crystallized the razor-edge tension on the field, where even celebrated restraint could not withstand the pressure of a Test series decider.

Here’s the video:

Some Heated words exchange with Ben Ducket and Sai Sudarshan, c'mon Sai perform and then speak.#INDvsENG #Saisudarshan #BenDuckett pic.twitter.com/OifqJhFxeL

— Pawan Mathur (@ImMathur03) August 1, 2025

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A day of Test cricket when competition outweighs composure

The sharp exchange between Sudharsan and Duckett was not an isolated incident in the day’s play. Earlier, Joe Root and India’s Prasidh Krishna had exchanged heated words, and Akash Deep gave Duckett a contentious send-off after his dismissal, placing an arm around the English opener’s shoulder in what some described as unnecessary needle. Emotions, always simmering just below the surface, threatened to spill over as players from both sides sought psychological as well as cricketing advantage.

These moments of confrontation mirrored the fine balance within the Test itself. By stumps, India had posted 75/2, leading by 52, with Jaiswal holding firm on a gritty 51*. England, who took a slender lead of 23 after being bowled out for 245 in their first innings, had earlier witnessed sharp performances with the ball from Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna, each taking four wickets. Gus Atkinson’s remarkable five-wicket haul in India’s first innings and the frequent changes in momentum on the pitch have only added fuel to this combustive contest.

Also READ: ENG vs IND: Prasidh Krishna explains his verbal duel with Joe Root on Day 2 of the Oval Test