Persistent rain and a damp outfield restricted play on a heavily interrupted opening day of the fifth Test between India and England at The Oval on Thursday. Only six overs were bowled in the post-lunch session before rain forced the players off the field once again, with India reaching 85 for 3 at tea.

Resuming the second session at 72 for 2 following an early lunch due to rain, India suffered an immediate setback when skipper Shubman Gill was run out for 21. The right-hander added just six runs to his lunch-time score before a miscommunication with partner Sai Sudharsan cost him his wicket. Attempting a risky single, Gill was caught short of his crease by a sharp piece of fielding, handing England a crucial breakthrough just as the innings was beginning to stabilise.

Only 13 runs were added in the six overs bowled in the second session before rain returned to halt proceedings once more. Tea was eventually taken as the weather showed no signs of improvement. At the interval, Sudharsan was unbeaten on 28, continuing to anchor the innings with solid application in testing conditions, while Karun Nair was yet to open his account.