ENG vs IND, 5th Test at The Oval – Day 3 Review: India Surge as England Falter
ENG vs IND: On Day 3 of the decisive fifth Test at The Oval, India seized control through grit and discipline, surging to 379/9 and a 356-run lead. Key cameos from Yashasvi Jaiswal and nightwatchman Akash Deep, combined with sloppy English fielding and key wickets, left England fighting to stay in the game.
Morning Session: Recovering from Collapse
India resumed at 224 all out, prompting England to sense an opportunity. But the pitch offered less help as India’s middle order regrouped:
- Yashasvi Jaiswal anchored with a measured 118, blending defiance with timing against a tiring England attack.
- Akash Deep, promoted as a nightwatchman, surprised all with a gritty 66—his maiden Test fifty—battering edges and punishing fill-in spin options.
- Their 107-run stand frustrated England’s bowlers and regained momentum.
Although Josh Tongue claimed two critical wickets—ending both stands—his efforts weren’t enough. India recovered admirably.
Afternoon Session: Increasing the Lead
- Ravindra Jadeja added a vital 53, steering India’s tail with poise and expanding the lead.
- Washington Sundar played a cameo with aggressive strokes late in the innings, reminiscent of Ian Botham’s 1981 cameo, boosting the score further.
- England’s missed opportunities hurt them—five dropped catches, especially early on Jaiswal and Deep, cost crucial moments.
By evening, India posted 379/9, pushing the lead to 356 runs, and firmly dictating terms into Day 4.
England’s Woes & Missed Momentum
Fielding Failings
- The hosts dropped Yasahvi Jaiswal and Akash Deep multiple times—stunning mistakes from a senior side.
- A shoulder injury to Chris Woakes further destabilized their attack.
Bowling Limitations
England’s bowling trailed off as the day wore on. With only three seamers operating and inexperienced bowlers introduced, India found gaps and momentum. Even part-time spin from Root and Bethell wasn’t enough to constrain the visitors.
Fireworks & Friction: On-Field Drama
A heated moment caught attention:
- Tempers flared when Jaiswal engaged with Zak Crawley and Ollie Pope, reflecting the rising tension.
- After dismissing Duckett earlier, nightwatchman Akash Deep placed a consoling hand on Duckett’s shoulder. Former captain Ricky Ponting voiced strong criticism—calling it against the spirit of Test cricket.
Key Stats & Highlights – ENG vs IND
| Player | Performance |
|---|---|
| Jaiswal | 118 – measured, classy ton |
| Akash Deep | 66 – resilient as nightwatchman |
| Jadeja | 53 – crucial lower-order partner |
| Sundar | Quick cameo late in the day |
| Tongue | Double strike (Jaiswal & Deep) |
| Dropped chances | 5 significant fielding lapses |
| England bowlers | Injuries and inconsistency |
Series Implications & Outlook
- With England leading 2–1, India’s dominance on Day 3 places the visitors in the driver’s seat to seal the series.
- England’s narrowed bowling arsenal and missed execution leave them with a mountainous task—needing to dismiss India twice and defend a large total.
- India’s fighting spirit and effective contribution from unexpected quarters (Deep, Sundar) underline their depth and resolve.
Day 3 at The Oval was India’s day. From the morning uncertainty of a collapsing innings to reclaiming substantial initiative, the visitors demonstrated resilience combined with stroke-making British conditions rarely allow.
Countless dropped catches, under-pressure bowling plans, and injuries left England vulnerable. Meanwhile, India’s relentlessness—embodied by Jaiswal’s century and Deep’s uprising—cast long shadows over England’s once-promising start.
As India head into Day 4 with a 356-run lead, they stand on the cusp of series victory. England must conjure miracles—or risk a disappointing end to a season that started with so much hope.
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