ENG vs IND 5th Test: After the third day’s play, England needs 324 runs to win, while India needs 9 wickets

ENG vs IND 5th Test: England Faces Uphill Battle as India Closes in on Victory After Day 3 at The Oval

The third day of the fifth and final Test match between England and India at the historic Kennington Oval ended with high drama and set the stage for an intense finish. By stumps on August 2, England found themselves at 50 for 1 in their second innings, still needing 324 more runs to win the match and level the series. With nine wickets remaining, and the pitch starting to show signs of wear, the odds are currently stacked in India's favor as they push for a 3-2 series victory on English soil.

India began Day 3 at 75/2 in their second innings, holding a slim advantage but still needing significant runs to secure a commanding lead. The overnight batsmen, Yashasvi Jaiswal and nightwatchman Akashdeep, stitched together a crucial 107-run partnership for the third wicket. Jaiswal, continuing his rich vein of form, reached another magnificent century, scoring 118 runs with impeccable shot selection and composure under pressure. Akashdeep, primarily known for his bowling, stunned everyone with a gritty 66-run knock, providing India with a solid platform early in the day.

However, the middle order failed to fully capitalize on the start. Shubman Gill managed only 11 runs before being dismissed, while Karun Nair's return to the Test side was modest as he scored just 17. At one point, it seemed England might restrict India under 350, but the lower middle-order had other plans. Ravindra Jadeja contributed a measured 53, anchoring one end, while Dhruv Jurel added a handy 34. The standout in the latter half of the innings was Washington Sundar, who played a blistering knock of 53 off just 46 balls, taking on the English bowlers aggressively and pushing India’s lead beyond 350. Ultimately, India posted 396 runs in their second innings, setting England a daunting target of 374 to win.

In terms of bowling for England, Josh Tongue emerged as the pick of the bowlers with a five-wicket haul, showing remarkable consistency and aggression. Gus Atkinson also impressed, picking up 3 wickets, while Jamie Overton chipped in with 2. Despite their efforts, the target set by India is substantial, especially on a fourth- and fifth-day pitch expected to offer variable bounce and some turn.

England’s second innings started cautiously but with intent. However, Mohammad Siraj provided the breakthrough in the final over of the day, dismissing Zak Crawley for 14, clean bowled with a delivery that seamed in sharply. That wicket shifted the momentum once again in India’s favor. At stumps, Ben Duckett remained unbeaten on 34, having shown good judgment and positive stroke play, but the challenge ahead remains enormous for England.

With the pitch expected to deteriorate further and India's bowling attack in good rhythm, England faces a mountain to climb. India, needing just 9 more wickets, will be confident of wrapping up the match and sealing a memorable series win in English conditions. The fourth day promises to be a gripping contest of skill, temperament, and endurance as both sides push for a defining result in this thrilling series.