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    Deadlock in Oval as England and India exchange blows on Day 3 of the 5th Test

    kumbhorgBy No Comments5 Mins Read
    Deadlock in Oval as England and India exchange blows on Day 3 of the 5th Test

    Day 3 of the fifth and final Test at The Oval was a tale of fluctuating fortunes that ultimately swung decisively in India‘s favour. After a dramatic Day 2 that saw 15 wickets fall, both teams entered Day 3 with the match finely balanced. However, India’s batters, led by a century from a young prodigy Yashasvi Jaiswal and a career-defining innings from Akash Deep, broke England’s resolve and seized complete control. This shift in momentum was capped off by a blistering assault from a lower-order batter Washington Sundar, leaving England with a near-impossible task to win the game.

    Yashasvi Jaiswal’s mastery and Akash Deep’s grit lay the foundation for India in the Oval Test

    The morning session was a testament to the resilience and strategic brilliance of the Indian team. Resuming at 75/2, with a lead of just 52 runs, the overnight pair of Jaiswal and nightwatchman Akash Deep defied England’s short-ball tactics and tired bowling attack. Jaiswal, continuing his superb form, brought up his sixth Test century off just 127 balls, a knock of supreme authority and timing that included 12 fours and two sixes. This was his fourth Test hundred against England, making him the Indian batter with the most 50+ scores against England at the age of 23, surpassing Sachin Tendulkar‘s record.

    The true hero of the morning, however, was Akash Deep. Promoted to number four, the fast bowler played with the composure of a seasoned batsman, scoring a gritty maiden Test half-century (66 runs off 94 balls). His innings was a blend of solid defense and aggressive hitting, frustrating England’s bowlers and allowing Jaiswal to play his natural game. The pair forged a game-changing 107-run partnership for the third wicket, which not only extended India’s lead but also tired out England’s pace attack, which was already a bowler down due to Chris Woakes‘ shoulder injury. Akash Deep’s invaluable contribution came to an end when he was dismissed just before lunch, but his knock had already done irreparable damage to England’s hopes.

    Washington Sundar’s assault and Mohammed Siraj’s late strike demoralize England on Day 3 

    In the post-lunch sessions, India’s dominance was further cemented by a collective batting effort that relentlessly piled on the runs. While England managed to pick up key wickets, including that of Jaiswal for 118 and Ravindra Jadeja for 53, they were unable to halt the flow of runs. The final and most devastating blow came from all-rounder Washington Sundar. Coming in at number eight, Sundar took the attack to the tired English bowlers, unleashing a barrage of aggressive shots that took the game completely out of England’s reach. He scored a blistering fifty off just 46 balls, an innings that included four fours and four sixes, demoralizing the English fielders who had also dropped six catches throughout the innings.

    Also READ: ENG vs IND: Fans go gaga as Washington Sundar’s thunderous 53 leaves England facing historic run chase at The Oval

    Sundar’s destructive cameo ensured India’s second-innings total swelled to a massive 396, setting England a daunting target of 374 to win. This total is a psychological and historical hurdle, as it is significantly higher than The Oval’s highest successful run chase of 263. Just when England’s openers, Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett, looked like they might survive the day and get a decent start, the relentless Mohammed Siraj provided the perfect finish for India. On the very last ball of the day, with the new ball in hand, Siraj bowled a perfect searing yorker that rattled Zak Crawley’s stumps, sending him back for 14. This late strike left England at 50/1 at stumps, needing another 324 runs to win, and put India in a commanding position to level the series.

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    Also READ: ENG vs IND: Most runs as a captain in a Test series ft. Shubman Gill

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