At the iconic Kennington Oval in London, Day 3 of the fifth and final Test match between England and India unfolded with high drama on August 3, 2025. With the series delicately poised at 2-1 in England’s favor, both teams were locked in a battle for supremacy. India, aiming to level the series and avoid a defeat on English soil, resumed their second innings at 75/2, looking to set a formidable target.
England, buoyed by their aggressive “Bazball” approach, sought to restrict India and chase down any total to secure a 3-1 series victory. The bright sunshine and a good batting wicket set the stage for a day of intense cricket, with the pitch showing signs of wear as the day progressed, hinting at challenges for the chasing side.
The day was marked by stellar individual performances, tactical battles, and critical moments that shifted momentum. India’s batsmen displayed resilience and aggression, while England’s bowlers fought hard despite fielding lapses. By stumps, England’s chase had begun, but a late strike by India’s Mohammed Siraj left the match tantalizingly poised, with both teams eyeing victory on Day 4.
India’s Innings: A Blend of Grit and Flair
India’s second innings was a showcase of their batting depth, as they posted a commanding total of 396, setting England a daunting target of 374. Yashasvi Jaiswal led the charge with a magnificent 118, his sixth Test century and second of the series. His innings was a masterclass, featuring 14 boundaries and two sixes, and he capitalized on England’s sloppy fielding, surviving three dropped catches. Jaiswal’s knock ended just before tea when he was dismissed by Josh Tongue, but not before he had set a solid foundation.
The nightwatchman Akash Deep played a pivotal role, scoring a career-best 66, his maiden Test half-century. Dropped on 21, he formed a crucial 107-run partnership with Jaiswal for the third wicket, frustrating England’s bowlers. His innings ended just before lunch, dismissed by Jamie Overton, but his contribution was instrumental in steadying India after early losses.
Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar further bolstered India’s total with identical scores of 53. Jadeja’s innings was steady, reflecting his experience as a lower-order anchor, while Sundar’s was explosive, reaching his fifty in just 39 balls. Sundar’s highlight was a remarkable over where he smashed four sixes, showcasing his power-hitting and injecting momentum into India’s innings. Dhruv Jurel contributed a steady 34, adding valuable runs.
However, captain Shubman Gill had a rare off-day, scoring only 11 before falling lbw to Gus Atkinson, leaving him 20 runs short of Sunil Gavaskar’s record for most runs in a Test series (754 runs at an average of 83.78). Karun Nair struggled, managing 17 before being caught behind off Atkinson. Despite these setbacks, India’s lower order ensured a substantial lead, putting England under pressure.
England’s Bowling: Tongue Shines Amid Fielding Woes
England’s bowling unit, despite missing Chris Woakes due to injury, put up a spirited fight. Josh Tongue was the standout performer, claiming a maiden five-wicket haul with figures of 5/125. He dismissed key batsmen, including Jaiswal, Jadeja, and Sundar, proving to be England’s most potent weapon. Gus Atkinson supported with 3 wickets for 127 runs, removing Gill and Nair, while Jamie Overton chipped in with 2 wickets, including Akash Deep.
However, England’s fielding was a significant letdown, with six dropped catches, including three off Jaiswal, proving costly. These errors allowed India to build crucial partnerships and post a challenging total. The lack of early spin, with Joe Root introduced late, was a tactical oversight, especially as the pitch began to offer variable bounce later in the day.
England’s Chase: A Shaky Start
England began their chase of 374 with Ben Duckett and Zak Crawley at the crease. Duckett looked assured, scoring an unbeaten 34 despite a painful blow to his hand from Akash Deep. Crawley contributed 14 before being dismissed on the final ball of the day by a sensational inswinging yorker from Mohammed Siraj, which uprooted his off stump. The dismissal was a game-changing moment, leaving England at 50/1 at stumps, needing 324 more runs to win.
India’s bowlers, led by Siraj, maintained pressure throughout. Akash Deep and Prasidh Krishna opened the bowling, keeping the run rate in check, but it was Siraj’s late strike that gave India the edge. The psychological boost from Crawley’s dismissal could prove crucial on Day 4.
Looking Ahead to Day 4
As the match heads into Day 4, England face a monumental challenge. The highest successful chase at The Oval is 263, set by England against Australia in 1902, making the target of 374 a historic task. England’s highest fourth-innings totals include 378 against India at Edgbaston in 2022 and 371 at Leeds in this series, but the wearing pitch and India’s potent bowling attack make this chase daunting.
India, needing 9 wickets for victory, hold the upper hand. Mohammed Siraj’s late wicket has boosted their morale, and bowlers like Prasidh Krishna and Ravindra Jadeja will look to exploit any assistance from the pitch, especially if early morning conditions offer movement. The psychological battle, with India’s proactive field placements and England’s aggressive batting approach, adds intrigue.
Shubman Gill’s series has been phenomenal, with 754 runs at an average of 83.78, the most by an Indian captain in a Test series. Yashasvi Jaiswal’s 72.9% of runs through the off side is the highest for any player in a series with 300+ runs. Ravindra Jadeja’s six 50-plus scores at No.6 or lower set a new record in England, surpassing Sir Garfield Sobers.
The atmosphere at The Oval was electric, with fans from both sides creating a vibrant backdrop. England’s middle order, including Joe Root and Ben Stokes, will be key, while India’s bowlers aim to wrap up the innings. Weather could play a role, though Day 3’s clear conditions suggest a full day’s play is likely.
Also Read: ENG vs IND: Yashasvi Jaiswal’s Brilliant 118 Powers India’s Commanding Lead