India Batters Set Stage for Epic Series Finish on Day 3 at The Oval
India batters set stage for what promises to be a thrilling final day in the fifth and final Test against England at The Oval. With a strong batting performance from Yashasvi Jaiswal and Washington Sundar, India posted a massive lead and ended Day 3 with a key breakthrough from Mohammed Siraj. The visitors are in a strong position to clinch the series.
India’s Dominant Day 3 Begins with a Surprise Partnership
India started Day 3 at 40/1 with a lead of 52 runs. While Yashasvi Jaiswal was the overnight batter everyone had eyes on, it was Akash Deep, the nightwatchman, who surprised everyone with his fearless approach. He played the innings of his life, scoring 66 runs — his highest score in international cricket.
Together, Jaiswal and Akash Deep stitched a 107-run stand, the biggest partnership of the match at that point. Their confident batting put England on the back foot early in the day and helped India gain firm control.
England Fight Back After Lunch
After a frustrating morning, England came out fired up after the lunch break. Gus Atkinson, who had already taken a five-wicket haul in the first innings, struck with the first ball of the second session. He trapped Indian skipper Shubman Gill LBW, shifting momentum momentarily. India Batters Set Stage
Soon after, Atkinson dismissed Karun Nair, who edged a rising delivery to Jamie Smith behind the stumps. These quick wickets gave England some hope, but Yashasvi Jaiswal continued to frustrate the bowlers with his elegant strokeplay. India Batters Set Stage
Jaiswal’s Sixth Test Century
India batters set stage for dominance once again as Yashasvi Jaiswal brought up his sixth Test century. He capitalized on a couple of dropped chances and punished anything loose. Jaiswal’s innings showed class, patience, and controlled aggression. He now has the most Test hundreds for India in the WTC 2023-25 cycle.
But just as he was looking to press on, Josh Tongue forced an error. Jaiswal attempted a ramp shot but couldn’t clear the fielder at deep third man. Jamie Overton completed the catch, ending a fantastic knock.
Jadeja and Jurel Stabilize, Then Sundar Explodes
India’s innings didn’t lose momentum. Ravindra Jadeja and Dhruv Jurel formed a solid partnership that took the lead past 280. The duo played watchfully and ensured England’s bowlers didn’t break through before tea.
Post-tea, Overton dismissed Jurel with a delivery that nipped away and hit the pads. Jadeja brought up his fifty soon after but was caught in the slips off Tongue. India Batters Set Stage
With India at 323/8, Mohammed Siraj fell cheaply, and it looked like the innings might wrap up soon. But Washington Sundar had other ideas. India Batters Set Stage
Sundar’s Counterattack Lifts India to 436
India batters set stage for a massive target with Sundar’s late fireworks. The all-rounder smashed a quick 50+, including four sixes and two boundaries. His aggressive hitting pushed India’s lead past 370, frustrating England’s bowlers who had no answers. India Batters Set Stage
Josh Tongue finally ended the innings, taking his fifth wicket by dismissing Sundar. With this five-wicket haul, Tongue reached 19 wickets in the series — the most by any English bowler.
India finished their second innings at 436, setting England a massive target of 375.
Siraj Strikes Late to Remove Crawley
England started their chase positively. Openers Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett once again gave them a quick start with a 50-run stand. Duckett was aggressive, while Crawley looked composed. India Batters Set Stage
But just when England were settling in, Mohammed Siraj bowled a perfect yorker to clean up Crawley on the final ball of Day 3. It was a huge moment as Crawley had been England’s most consistent batter in the series.
England ended the day at 52/1, still needing 323 more runs to win. India Batters Set Stage
India’s 2nd Innings Key Scores:
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Yashasvi Jaiswal – 113
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Akash Deep – 66
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Washington Sundar – 57
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Ravindra Jadeja – 52
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Josh Tongue – 5/78
Why Day 3 Was So Crucial
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India extended their lead to 374 — almost out of reach in fourth innings.
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Jaiswal and Akash Deep’s partnership set the tone.
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Sundar’s fireworks ensured India didn’t leave runs on the table.
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Siraj’s late wicket was a major morale booster. India Batters Set Stage
What to Expect on Day 4
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England will need to chase a record total of 375 to win the match and series.
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India need 9 wickets to secure a historic series win in England.
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The pitch has started to show signs of wear, and Indian spinners may come into play.
Final Thoughts
India batters set stage for one of the most dramatic finishes in recent Test series history. Jaiswal’s century, Akash Deep’s fearless knock, Sundar’s counterattack, and Siraj’s late strike have given India the upper hand. With the series tied 2-2, everything is on the line on Day 4. India Batters Set Stage
Can England pull off a record chase? Or will India’s bowlers complete the job and seal a famous win? Fans across the world will be watching closely.
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