England’s openers Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett tore into India’s pace attack with fearless aggression, powering the hosts to 109/1 at lunch on day two of the decisive fifth Test at Lord’s. The duo’s explosive 92-run stand in just 77 balls left India’s bowlers reeling on a seaming pitch, trailing by 115 runs after bundling out the visitors for 224 earlier in the day.

Crawley, unbeaten on 52 off 43 balls, punished Mohammed Siraj with five of his 12 fours, including a majestic straight drive and a flicked boundary. Duckett, scoring 43 off 38, disrupted India’s rhythm with audacious shots, including a reverse scoop and a ramped six off Siraj. His dismissal, caught behind off Akash Deep’s reverse-hit attempt, came just before lunch, but not before a cheeky send-off from the bowler.

India’s pacers—Akash Deep, Siraj, and Prasidh Krishna—struggled to find answers as England’s openers feasted on loose deliveries. Ollie Pope joined Crawley, adding flair with two elegant cover drives to keep the momentum firmly with the hosts.

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Earlier, India’s innings crumbled in just 30 minutes, losing four wickets for 20 runs from their overnight 204/6. Gus Atkinson’s fiery spell claimed three quick scalps, including Karun Nair (57) and Washington Sundar (26), as England seized control.

With Crawley in sublime form and India’s bowlers rattled, England are poised to dominate this crucial series decider.

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