India took firm control of the match and set England a daunting target of 374 runs to win on the third day of the fifth and final Test match between India and England at The Oval.
Following an exciting day of play, England finished at 50/1, with Mohammed Siraj dismissing Zak Crawley in the day’s last over and Ben Duckett remaining undefeated at 34.
England had previously chosen to field first after winning the toss. Karun Nair led the way with a solid 57 that included eight boundaries as India posted a respectable total of 224 in 69.4 overs in their first innings.
Despite Sai Sudharsan’s helpful 38 and six fours, England’s pace duo controlled the game. Josh Tongue provided good support, taking three wickets, while Gus Atkinson made an impression with five.
With an aggressive response, England scored 247 runs in just 51.2 overs in their first innings. subsequently Harry Brook counterattacked with a 53 that featured five fours and a six, Zak Crawley scored a fluid 64 with 14 boundaries.
However, India’s bowlers turned things around quickly, with Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna each taking four wickets to keep England’s lead small.
India scored 396 in 88 overs during their impressive batting performance in the second innings. Yashasvi Jaiswal’s incredible century, which included 118 runs with 14 boundaries and two sixes, was the innings’ high point.
Everyone pitched in: Washington Sundar, Ravindra Jadeja, and Akash Deep all hit crucial half-centuries that frustrated the English bowlers.
Josh Tongue spearheaded the home team’s bowling attack once more, taking five wickets, with Gus Atkinson and Jamie Overton splitting the remaining wickets.
England’s chase started cautiously after being set a difficult 374 to win. Siraj clean bowled Zak Crawley for 14 just before stumps, giving India a vital breakthrough. England’s task on Day 4 will be difficult because the pitch is worn and the Indian bowlers are rhythmic.
The match is currently in a delicate balance, but going into the penultimate day, India is clearly in the lead. To reach the total, England will require a unique strategy.
On Day 3 of the fifth Test match between India and England, tensions at The Oval momentarily increased when opener Yashasvi Jaiswal seemed to be experiencing cramps just before lunch.
The southpaw’s delay, however, did not convince on-field umpire Ahsan Raza, who firmly signaled that play should continue by telling him to keep batting.
India was trying to extend their lead in a closely contested match when the incident happened in the last over before the planned lunch break.
Play was momentarily halted as Jaiswal, who has been playing brilliantly this series, appeared to be uncomfortable. Umpire Raza, however, saw the pause as a potential strategic move to guarantee that the session ended without finishing another over as the clock was running out for the break.
It appeared that England’s players thought the same way. Ollie Pope, the captain of England, and teammates Ben Duckett and Zak Crawley were observed talking with Jaiswal as the teams left the pitch just a moment later, possibly interested in why he had postponed.
Even though it appeared not to be heated, the exchange showed the increasing sense of gamesmanship and competition in the ongoing Test.
As both sides left the pitch, Jaiswal remained calm despite acknowledging the conversation. The incident heightened the drama of an already intense match and demonstrated how minor tactical alterations and delays can cause controversy and tension in a crucial Test match.
All eyes will be on how both teams maintain the competitive spirit as play picks back up after lunch, with England determined to keep up the momentum and India hoping to establish a commanding lead.
Summary at Stumps, Day 3:
India 1st Innings: 287 all out
England 1st Innings: 273 all out
India 2nd Innings: 360/7 declared (Yashasvi Jaiswal 122, Shubman Gill 61)
England 2nd Innings: 58/2 (Crawley 22, Duckett 14)
Target for England: 374 runs
India need: 8 wickets to win
Yashasvi Jaiswal’s incredible century has put India in a winning position with two days to go. As India’s bowlers attempt to finish the series, England will have an uphill battle. Day 4 is expected to be tense as the hosts try for a spectacular comeback and the visitors try for a historic victory.
Disclaimer: Match details and scores are accurate as per official sources at the end of Day 3 of the 5th Test, Oval, 2025.
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