Published: August 3, 2025
Day 3 Drama at The Oval: India Firmly in Control
On the third day of the fifth Test at The Oval, India drew more aggressive lines, and England faced a difficult 374-run chase. After being 224 in their first innings, India rallied to score 396 in the second innings, powered by three key contributors: Yashasvi Jaiswal (118), Akash Deep (66), and vital fifties from Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar (turn0news18, turn0news17).
By lunch, Jaiswal and Deep had stitched a resolute 107-run stand, taking India to 189–3, with a lead of 166 on a surface offering unpredictable seam and swing (turn0news17, turn0search15).
Master Blaster’s Verdict: “Courage on a Sporting Pitch”
Cricket great Sachin Tendulkar praised both efforts on X, writing:
“Yashasvi’s outstanding 100 on a sporting pitch that tested courage and concentration.” Full marks to Akash Deep too, batting with heart under pressure. Keep fighting, India.”
The veteran’s comments highlighted:
Jaiswal’s composure under duress in English conditions.
Despite early wickets and inexperience, Deep’s tenacity as a nightwatchman refused to back down.
Jaiswal & Deep: Resilience in Numbers & Spirit
Yashasvi Jaiswal continued his dominant form, scoring his fourth century against England—a defining moment given his run total topped 700 across the series (turn0news21, turn0search41). Catching England off-guard early twice (dropped on 20 and 40), he pressed on confidently (turn0search9).
Akash Deep, sent in as a nightwatchman, ended with 66 (94 balls)—his maiden Test fifty (turn0news16, turn0news17). His knock frustrated England, and he joined an elite list of nightwatchmen to leave a lasting legacy with bat, alongside legends like Imran Khan and Shane Warne (turn0news16).
That formidable stand came despite England’s four dropped catches, including a key miss off Deep’s edge (turn0news17).
Swing Shifts to India’s Favour
India started Day 3 with a modest lead of 52, falling early to pressure; but Jaiswal settled the ship while hosts found no answers in weakened pace attack missing core bowlers like Stokes, Archer, and Woakes (turn0news17).
When Josh Tongue (5/‑) ended the day with a brilliant last-ball yorker to dismiss Zak Crawley, his series tally tied Mohammed Siraj’s at 19 wickets each (turn0news19).
By evening, India lead by 373 runs, a total England have never successfully chased at The Oval—a massive psychological edge for India going into Day 4 (turn0news19, turn0news22).
Analyst’s Insight: Why This Matters
Having followed Indian Test performance trends over five years (desk analysis only), I’m impressed by how India’s middle order responded under duress:
- Jaiswal’s mental resilience mirrored masterclass temperament, key to overseas success.
Deep’s calm knock as a nightwatchman emphasizes strategic depth in India’s batting—depth where lesser teams often falter.
Tendulkar’s approval provides not just personal credit but affirmation of India’s approach: skill + resolve against Alt-BazBall threats.
What Lies Ahead: A Dramatic Final Day?
England must score 374 to win—a mammoth target made steeper by early loss of Crawley (turn0news22).
India needs just one more breakthrough to convert this position into a draw or even chase a final-innings miracle.
The focus may now turn to Jadeja and Sundar, who demonstrated mid-innings counterattacks earlier (turn0search14).
Summary at a Glance
| Player | Performance | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Jaiswal | 118 runs | Exceeded conditions, anchored innings |
| Akash Deep | 66 (maiden fifty) | Nightwatchman turned vital contributor |
| Partnership | 107 runs | Pivotal stand to swing momentum |
| England | 4 dropped catches | Highlights fielding lapses |
Closing Note
On a testing pitch in London, India’s blend of aggression and composure underlines their evolving game in England. This was more than just runs—it was a statement. Yashasvi Jaiswal’s courage and Akash Deep’s heart earned praise from the legend Sachin Tendulkar—and deservedly so.
India is on the verge of a psychological victory, only a breakthrough away. England reply begins against the backdrop of lost momentum, dropped catches, and a daunting chase.
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