India roared back into contention on an exhilarating day two of the final test on Friday as their seamers restricted England to a 23-run lead after the hosts had threatened to run away with a match that the tourists need to win to square the series.

India hit back strongly in the afternoon to put the brakes on England on day two of the fifth and final test, which India must win to tie the series. England was 215-7 after 42.5 overs at tea on Friday at the Oval,

England's Harry Brook, Liam Dawson and Zak Crawley all drop chances in the evening session of day two, allowing India to build a lead of 72 in their second innings of the final Test at The Oval.

Frustrated by a defiant India last time out, England's attack had more success on the first day of the fifth and final test but still has work to do after the visitors closed on 204-6 on Thursday. Gus Atkinson (2-31) and Josh Tongue (2-47) claimed a pair of wickets each at the Oval.

Recalled fast bowlers Gus Atkinson and Josh Tongue did the damage as India struggled to 204-6 at stumps on Thursday's opening day of their series decider against England at the Oval.