Author: Akshay Published Date: 30 July 2025
India Take Control on Day 3: England Need Record Chase
On a gripping Day 3 at The Oval, India tightened their grip on the 5th Test, setting England a monumental target of 374—a chase never before achieved at this historic ground. Yashasvi Jaiswal (118) anchored the innings, Akash Deep (66) played a nightwatchman’s dream knock, and Washington Sundar (53 off 39) provided late fireworks before Mohammed Siraj struck late to leave England 50/1 at stumps.
Key Performances: India’s Batting Dominance
1️⃣ Yashasvi Jaiswal – The Centurion (118)
- 6th Test century, proving his class in overseas conditions.
- Dropped early by England, capitalizing on the reprieve.
- Sachin Tendulkar praised his “courage under pressure.”
2️⃣ Akash Deep – The Nightwatchman Hero (66)
- Maiden Test fifty in just his second match.
- 107-run stand with Jaiswal, deflating England’s attack.
- Gautam Gambhir called it “one of the best nightwatchman knocks.”
*3️⃣ Washington Sundar – The Finisher (53* off 39)*
- Blasted 5 sixes in a whirlwind innings.
- Pushed India’s lead beyond 370, making the chase near-impossible.
📊 India’s 2nd Innings: 396 all out (Lead by 373 runs)
England’s Uphill Battle: 374 to Win
🇮🇳 India’s Bowling Strike
- Mohammed Siraj bowled Zak Crawley (22) with a perfect yorker off the last ball of the day.
- England scored 50/1 at stumps, and they need 324 more with 9 wickets left.
England’s Challenges
❌ Ben Duckett (34*) is nursing a hand injury.
❌ Chris Woakes unlikely to bat (shoulder issue).
❌ Highest successful chase at The Oval? Just 263 (1902).
Match Situation: Who Holds the Edge?
✅ India – Need 9 wickets (or 8 if Woakes is out).
✅ England – Must pull off the biggest chase in Oval history.
Day 4 Predictions?
- Early wickets = India’s victory.
- Duckett/Root partnership = Tense finish possible.
What’s at Stake?
- India win = Series drawn 2-2.
- England win = Historic 3-1 series victory.
India dominated Day 3, but Test cricket always has surprises. Can England script a miracle? Or will India’s bowlers finish the job?