The fifth and final Test between England and India at The Oval is poised for a thrilling conclusion as Day 4 dawns on August 3 (Sunday). India concluded Day 3 in a commanding position, setting England a challenging target of 374 runs for victory. At stumps on August 2 (Saturday), England stood at 50 for 1, requiring a further 324 runs with nine wickets in hand to level the series.
Day 3 witnessed India’s batting prowess, transforming a precarious situation into a dominant one. Resuming their second innings on 75 for 2, India amassed a formidable total of 396. The innings was anchored by a superb century from opener Yashasvi Jaiswal, who scored 118. He received excellent support from nightwatchman Akash Deep, who made an impressive 66, along with valuable half-centuries from Ravindra Jadeja (53) and Washington Sundar (53). England’s bowlers toiled hard, with Josh Tongue being the pick of the attack, claiming five wickets.
Earlier in the match, on August 1 (Friday), India were bowled out for 224 in their first innings. England then secured a 23-run lead by scoring 247, with notable contributions from Zak Crawley (64) and Harry Brook (53). India’s pace attack, spearheaded by Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna, who both took four wickets, helped to restrict England’s first innings total after a strong start.
The final moments of Day 3 delivered a crucial blow to England’s chase when Mohammed Siraj dismissed opener Zak Crawley for 14. This late wicket has put immense pressure on the English batting line-up as they head into Day 4.
England now face a monumental task. The highest successful fourth-innings chase at The Oval stands at 263, a record set way back in 1902. To achieve their target, England will need to surpass this historic benchmark by a significant margin, demanding exceptional batting performances and composure.
The pitch at The Oval has offered assistance to bowlers throughout the match, and India’s pace attack, coupled with their spin options, will be looking to exploit any remaining movement and cracks. With the series on the line, Day 4 promises to be a captivating contest as England attempts a record-breaking chase, while India pushes for a series-levelling victory.
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