Cricholic
India set England a mammoth target of 374 runs after a dominant batting display on Day 3 of the fifth Test at The Oval. Now, with just nine wickets to take, India are on the brink of clinching the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy in style.
🧱 India Set Foundation Through Jaiswal and Akash Deep
From the first session itself, India set the tone with purpose. Yashasvi Jaiswal continued his stellar form by bringing up yet another century — his second of the series. Notably, he became the first Indian opener to score centuries in both the first and last Tests of an overseas series.
At the other end, Akash Deep stood tall. Although he came in as a nightwatchman, his composure and timing stunned England. Moreover, his strokeplay added fluency to the innings. Eventually, he reached a gritty maiden Test fifty, forming a crucial 100+ run partnership with Jaiswal.
⚠️ India Set Back Slightly After Lunch Collapse
After the impressive morning, India set themselves up for 400+, but England roared back briefly post-lunch. First, Shubman Gill was dismissed first ball. Then, Karun Nair followed cheaply. Even Jaiswal, who looked invincible, tried an upper cut and fell.
Consequently, England sensed a turnaround. However, despite the mini-collapse, India still maintained the upper hand. Their lead had already ballooned past 250, leaving the visitors in a strong position.
🔥 India Set Command Again With Jadeja-Sundar Surge
Not long after the collapse, India set the scoreboard back in motion with Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar. While Jadeja’s controlled knock ensured stability, Sundar brought flair. His 39-ball fifty featured aggressive strokes and immense confidence.
Together, they erased any momentum England had gained. Then came Dhruv Jurel, who chipped in with a valuable 34. By the time India were bowled out, they had piled up 396, leaving England with a steep mountain to climb.
🏹 India Set Stage With Key Wicket Before Stumps
Even with the bat done, India set the stage for a Day 4 finish. England’s openers came out swinging and crossed fifty without a loss. But just when things looked even, Mohammed Siraj produced a stunning yorker to dismiss Zak Crawley.
As a result, India finished Day 3 on top. With conditions favouring bowlers late in the game, they’ll be eager to wrap up the series in dominant fashion.
📊 India Set Match Control With This Scorecard
India: 224 & 396
(Jaiswal 118, Akash Deep 66, Jadeja 53, Sundar 53; Tongue 5/125)
England: 247 & 50/1
(Duckett 34, Crawley 11, Siraj 1/11)*
🎯 Target for England: 374
🎯 Runs required: 324
🎯 Wickets in hand: 9
📌 What’s at Stake
This is the final match of the series. If India win, they not only secure the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy but also gain crucial WTC 2025 points. On the flip side, England must bat two full days — a challenge even by Bazball standards.
Unless England play out of their skins, India are clear favourites to win this match and the series.
