The second day of the final Test between India and England at The Oval witnessed a dramatic collapse of wickets, with a total of 15 falling, swinging the momentum back and forth. At stumps, India managed to secure a narrow lead of 52 runs, finishing at 75/2 in their second innings.

India's day began poorly, as they were bundled out for 224 within the first 30 minutes of the morning session. Gus Atkinson proved to be the wrecker-in-chief, claiming the remaining wickets and completing his five-wicket haul. Karun Nair was dismissed LBW for 57, while Washington Sundar was caught for 26. Atkinson wrapped up the innings by bowling Mohammed Siraj and having Prasidh Krishna caught behind, both for ducks.

England's response was characteristically aggressive, with Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett racing to 92-0 in just 13 overs. However, Akash Deep's dismissal of Duckett, followed by a fiery send-off, ignited a spirited comeback from the Indian bowlers. Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna led the charge, claiming four wickets each to restrict England to 247. Harry Brook offered some resistance with a score of 53, but England's lead was limited to just 23 runs.

The final session saw India's second innings begin with positive intent. Yashasvi Jaiswal led the charge, scoring a rapid half-century off 44 balls and remaining unbeaten on 51 at the close of play. However, England's bowlers struck twice, dismissing KL Rahul for 7 and Sai Sudharsan for 11. Rahul edged a delivery from Josh Tongue to Joe Root, while Sudharsan was trapped LBW by Atkinson.

England's fielding was sloppy, with three dropped catches proving costly. Yashasvi Jaiswal was given two reprieves, first on 20 when Harry Brook dropped him at slip and then on 40 when Liam Dawson, a substitute fielder, dropped him at deep fine leg. Crawley also dropped Sudharsan at the cordon when he was on 7.

The day was not without its share of drama and tension. Akash Deep's send-off to Ben Duckett, an angry exchange between Joe Root and Prasidh Krishna, and some words exchanged after Sai Sudharsan's dismissal, all contributed to the heightened atmosphere.

As play concluded early due to bad light, India found themselves in a slightly favorable position, leading by 52 runs with eight wickets in hand. The game is poised intriguingly, with both teams having opportunities to seize control on Day 3.