England Faces Uphill Battle Requiring 324 More Runs

LONDON: On Saturday, Mohammed Siraj’s late strike to dismiss Zak Crawley shifted momentum to India’s favor. England concluded the third day at The Oval on 50/1, pursuing a target of 374.

At the close of play, the hosts stood at 50 for one, needing an additional 324 runs. Ben Duckett, the not-out opener at 34, will partner with stand-in skipper Ollie Pope as England aims to achieve a record-breaking chase at this ground.

The English innings began cautiously, with Duckett and Crawley compiling a 50-run opening stand until Siraj broke through Crawley’s defenses, much to India’s delight.

Crawley managed 14 runs from 36 balls, hitting two boundaries.

Earlier, India’s second innings resumed from 75/2, featuring Yashasvi Jaiswal and nightwatchman Akash Deep.

The duo’s resilient partnership added 102 runs to their overnight score, with Deep achieving his first half-century.

Jamie Overton eventually removed Deep, who scored 66 off 94 deliveries, including twelve fours.

Jaiswal then formed brief alliances with Shubman Gill (11) and Karun Nair (17) before finding solid support in Ravindra Jadeja.

Jaiswal and Jadeja solidified India’s position with a 44-run stand, ending with the opener’s dismissal shortly after reaching a century.

Jaiswal was India’s highest scorer in the second innings with 118 runs from 164 balls, adorned with 14 fours and two sixes.

Jadeja then contributed a 70-run partnership for the seventh wicket with wicketkeeper Dhruv Jurel (34), followed by a short 24-run stand with Washington Sundar until Josh Tongue’s catch at slip restricted India to 357/8.

The consistent all-rounder Jadeja made a crucial 53 off 77 deliveries.

Following Jadeja’s exit, Sundar propelled India to 396 with a quickfire 39 before being dismissed by Tongue, who secured a five-wicket haul.

Sundar’s 53 came from 46 balls, including four fours and four sixes.

Besides Tongue, Atkinson claimed three wickets for England in the second innings, while Overton took two.