India Sets Challenging Target for England

On the third day of the fifth Test at The Oval, India set a formidable target of 374 runs for England. Despite trailing by 23 runs after the first innings, the Indian team mounted a strong comeback. The series stands at 2-1 in favor of England, making this match crucial for India to level the series.

Jaiswal and Akash Deep Shine with the Bat

India’s batting resurgence was spearheaded by Yashasvi Jaiswal and nightwatchman Akash Deep. Jaiswal delivered an impressive performance, scoring his sixth Test century with 118 runs off 164 balls, including 14 fours and two sixes. Akash Deep complemented Jaiswal’s efforts by achieving his highest First Class score of 66, marking his maiden half-century with 12 fours.

Jadeja’s Consistency Continues

Ravindra Jadeja, who had already scored a century in the first Test at Manchester, continued his remarkable form. He added another half-century to his tally, scoring 53 off 77 balls with five fours. This innings brought his total runs in the series to 516, making him the third Indian batter to surpass the 500-run mark in this series. Jadeja joined Shubman Gill and KL Rahul in this elite group, marking the first time three Indian players have achieved this feat in a single Test series.

Washington Sundar’s Late Flourish

Towards the end of India’s innings, Washington Sundar provided a late surge with a quickfire 53 off 46 balls. His aggressive batting included four sixes and four fours, contributing significantly to India’s lead. Sundar’s partnership with Prasidh Krishna added 39 crucial runs for the last wicket, pushing India’s lead beyond 350 runs.

England’s Bowling Efforts

For England, Josh Tongue emerged as the standout bowler, claiming five wickets for 125 runs. Despite his efforts, England faces a challenging task ahead as they aim to chase down India’s imposing target.