The third day of the fifth and final Test between India and England concluded yesterday, with India tightening their hold on the match, thanks to a brilliant century from Yashasvi Jaiswal.
Resuming their second innings with Jaiswal and nightwatchman Akash Deep at the crease, India built a strong third-wicket partnership worth 107 runs.
Akash Deep played a valuable supporting role, contributing 66 runs, while the highlight of the day was Jaiswal’s authoritative 118-run innings—marking his sixth Test century.
India’s middle and lower order added to the scoreboard, with Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar both scoring quickfire fifties. Jadeja made a solid 53, and Sundar added an equally impactful 53 at a brisk pace, helping India set a challenging target of 374 runs for England.
In response, England’s openers took to the field under pressure. However, just before stumps, Mohammed Siraj struck a vital blow by dismissing Zak Crawley, breaking the opening stand.
At the close of play on Day 3, England stood at 50/1, still needing 324 runs with nine wickets in hand.
With two full days remaining and the pitch beginning to offer turn and bounce, India is in a commanding position, while England faces a steep uphill battle to chase down one of the highest fourth-innings targets in recent Test history at The Oval.
