IND Vs ENG, 5th Test: Yashasvi Jaiswal's Century Powers India Ahead On Day 3 At The Oval, Setting England A Target Of 374 Runs To Win

Day 3 of the fifth and final Test between India and England at The Oval witnessed a dramatic shift in momentum, with India taking firm control of the match and setting England a daunting target of 374 runs to win. After a thrilling day of action, England closed at 50/1, with Ben Duckett unbeaten on 34, and Zak Crawley dismissed in the final over of the day by Mohammed Siraj.

Earlier, England had won the toss and elected to field first. India’s first innings saw them post a modest total of 224 in 69.4 overs, with Karun Nair top-scoring with a well-made 57 that included 8 boundaries. Sai Sudharsan added a handy 38 with 6 fours, but it was England’s pace duo who dominated proceedings. Gus Atkinson impressed with 5 wickets, while Josh Tongue supported well, picking up 3.

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England responded with an aggressive approach in their first innings, managing 247 runs in just 51.2 overs. Zak Crawley struck a fluent 64 with 14 boundaries, and Harry Brook added a counter-attacking 53 that included 5 fours and a six. But India's bowlers bounced back strongly, with Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna taking 4 wickets apiece, ensuring England’s lead remained narrow.

In their second innings, India put up a dominant batting display, scoring 396 in 88 overs. The innings was headlined by a magnificent century from Yashasvi Jaiswal, who crafted 118 runs with 14 boundaries and 2 sixes. Contributions came from all around: Akash Deep, Ravindra Jadeja, and Washington Sundar all struck valuable half-centuries, frustrating the English bowlers. Josh Tongue once again led the bowling effort for the hosts, claiming 5 wickets, while Gus Atkinson and Jamie Overton shared the remaining scalps.

Set a challenging 374 for victory, England’s chase began cautiously. Zak Crawley fell for 14 just before stumps, clean bowled by Siraj, handing India a crucial breakthrough. With the pitch showing signs of wear and the Indian bowlers in rhythm, England’s task on Day 4 will be steep.

As things stand, the match is finely poised, but India undoubtedly hold the upper hand heading into the penultimate day. England will need something special to chase down the total.

IND Vs ENG, 5th Test: England Players Unimpressed As Yashasvi Jaiswal's Late Cramp Raises Eyebrows Before Lunch On Day 3; Video 

Tensions briefly rose at The Oval during Day 3 of the fifth Test between India and England as opener Yashasvi Jaiswal appeared to struggle with cramp just minutes before the lunch break. However, on-field umpire Ahsan Raza wasn’t convinced by the southpaw’s delay and firmly gestured for him to continue batting, signaling that play should go on.

The incident occurred in the final over before the scheduled lunch interval, with India looking to consolidate their lead in a tightly contested match. Jaiswal, who has been in fine form this series, seemed to show signs of discomfort, briefly pausing play. But with the clock ticking down to the break, umpire Raza interpreted the pause as a possible tactical move to ensure that the session ended without completing another over.

England players, too, seemed to share that view. As the teams walked off the field moments later, England captain Ollie Pope, along with teammates Ben Duckett and Zak Crawley, were seen exchanging words with Jaiswal, possibly questioning the timing and intent behind his delay. While the interaction did not appear heated, it reflected a growing sense of competitiveness and gamesmanship in the ongoing Test.

Jaiswal, unfazed, acknowledged the conversation but kept his composure as both sides left the field. The moment added another layer of drama to a match already brimming with intensity, and highlighted how even small delays and tactical gestures can spark debate and tension in a high-stakes Test encounter.

As play resumes post-lunch, all eyes will be on how both teams carry forward the competitive energy, with India hoping to build a commanding lead and England determined not to let momentum slip.