New Delhi: The Men in Blue inched closer to a series-levelling win on Day 5 of the second Test with pacer Akash Deep striking twice and spinner Washington Sundar removing skipper Ben Stokes at the stroke of lunch to leave England reeling at 153 for six at Edgbaston in Birmingham on Sunday, July 6.

The start of the match was delayed by one hour and 40 minutes due to heavy rain. Akash Deep and Prasidh Krishna opened the bowling on a wicket that appeared to have deteriorated a bit. Akash Deep got enough seam movement from the surface and took only seven balls to remove Ollie Pope. He trapped Harry Brook in front in the following over with a delivery which hit a crack and seemed back in.

Ravindra Jadeja was brought in the attack after the first hour of play and got the ball to turn from the rough instantly, creating problems for Ben Stokes and Jamie Smith. The England captain was able to hit some much-needed runs. He smashed four boundaries against Siraj, including a pull and an extra cover drive. Washington Sundar dismissed Stokes leg before wicket at the stroke of lunch, to put more pressure on the hosts.

(more to follow)