England's cricket team finds itself in a precarious position after the third day of the fifth and final Test against India at The Oval. Set a target of 374 to win the match and level the series, England closed the day at 50/1, needing another 324 runs. The fall of Zak Crawley's wicket to a "cracking inswinging yorker" from Mohammed Siraj just before stumps added to the pressure.
India's dominance on day three was built upon valuable contributions throughout their batting lineup. Yashasvi Jaiswal's impressive 118 anchored the innings, supported by half-centuries from Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar. However, it was nightwatchman Akash Deep's career-best 66 that truly amplified England's woes.
Akash Deep's unlikely half-century, his maiden Test fifty, rubbed salt into England's wounds. His innings not only frustrated the English bowlers but also significantly boosted India's total, extending their lead. Resuming at 75/2, Jaiswal and Akash Deep combined for a 107-run partnership for the third wicket. Akash Deep had an early reprieve on 21 and capitalized, making the most of it before eventually falling to Jamie Overton before lunch.
England's bowling attack, despite Josh Tongue's impressive figures of 5/125, struggled to contain the Indian batting lineup. Gus Atkinson and Jamie Overton chipped in with three and two wickets, respectively, but couldn't prevent India from posting a formidable total of 396 in their second innings.
Earlier in the match, England managed a slender 23-run lead after being bowled out for 247 in their first innings, in response to India's 224. Harry Brook's half-century was a highlight, but a batting collapse, triggered by Prasidh Krishna and Mohammed Siraj who took 4 wickets each, prevented them from building a substantial lead. In India's first innings, Gus Atkinson took a five-wicket haul.
As play progressed on day three, Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar contributed identical scores of 53, further compounding England's challenges. Washington Sundar also hit a brutal 53 from 46 balls and added 39 for the last wicket with Prasidh Krishna.
England's hopes now rest on their ability to mount a significant chase on the fourth day. However, the variable bounce in the wicket, which the Indian batters have already experienced, poses a significant threat. The pressure is mounting on the English batsmen to replicate their Headingley heroics, where they chased down 371 to win.
The series currently stands at 2-1 in England's favor, meaning India needs to win this test to draw the series. With India needing nine wickets to win, and England needing 324 runs, the final two days promise intense cricket.
