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.
Here’s how fans reacted:
If any team can chase this target England can .. #ENGvIND
— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) August 2, 2025
Outstanding 100 by Yashasvi on a sporting pitch that tested courage and concentration. Full marks to Akashdeep too, batting with heart and determination under pressure. Keep fighting, India. pic.twitter.com/5ym8JOBKGn
— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) August 2, 2025
I expect Akashdeep to create havoc in the English camp.
— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) August 2, 2025
Steady head on those shoulders to be able to get a ton on that green, tricky wicket!
Well played @ybj_19 #INDvENG— Yuvraj Singh (@YUVSTRONG12) August 2, 2025
Important contributions from India’s lower middle order with Jaddu and Jurel chipping in but the real PAIN for England? The WASHINGTON TAX. Massive. Unbelievable. They weren’t ready!!! #ENGvIND pic.twitter.com/jziAtlEZ1Z
— Wasim Jaffer (@WasimJaffer14) August 2, 2025
England have batted beautifully so far and have shown the right approach.
— Prasanna (@prasannalara) August 2, 2025
I really don’t have it in me to watch Eng chase another 370+ score against us.
— Prithvi (@Prithvi10_) August 2, 2025
Crawley was busier thinking about how to slow the over. Siraj outfoxed him with a clever yorker!!
Seetiya!!!!— Deepta Nagpal (@DeeptaNagpal) August 2, 2025
How Siraj fooled Crawley in the last over?
There was usual delay happening as the clock was ticking. Jaiswal was sent in deep at square leg position which Crawley saw. He was anticipitating a short ball but Siraj surprised him with a perfect yorker which he wasn’t prepared for. pic.twitter.com/hZV25ibUeD
— Aditya Saha (@Adityakrsaha) August 2, 2025
What a fiery end to Day 3!
The fourth day is set for a blockbuster finish!
India are just 8 wickets away from a historic win, while England still need 324 runs to chase down the target.
Who will prevail?
Scorecard: https://t.co/M0Ml0tEhAx#ENGvIND #AndersonTendulkarTrophy… pic.twitter.com/CVPVBkgvgs
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) August 2, 2025
Also READ: ENG vs IND: Most runs as a captain in a Test series ft. Shubman Gill
