What happened on Day 3 of England vs India, 5th Test? All you need to know

Day Three of the ongoing Oval Test was full of drama and momentum shifts. India began the day with Yashasvi Jaiswal and nightwatchman Akash Deep at the crease, both unbeaten from Day Two. But what the nightwatchman delivered with the bat, no one saw coming.

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Akash Deep extended the third-wicket partnership with Jaiswal to 107 runs and, in the process, reached his maiden Test fifty. His 66-run knock left England frustrated as he bravely took on all their bowlers, showing great intent throughout a superb innings.

After his dismissal, both Shubman Gill and Karun Nair tried to settle in, but lost their wickets in quick succession. At 229/5, India suddenly found themselves in a tricky position. However, Ravindra Jadeja steadied things again by smashing yet another fifty in this series. He scored 53 off 77 balls. First, he stitched a 44-run partnership with Jaiswal, who brought up his fourth Test century against England before eventually falling for a well-made 118.

Jadeja then added a crucial 50-run stand with Dhruv Jurel (34), followed by a quick 34-run partnership off 42 balls with Washington Sundar. During this phase, India extended their lead past the 300-run mark. Then came Washington's counter-attacking knock — a superb 53 off just 46 balls — as India eventually got bundled out for 396 in their second innings, setting England a target of 374 runs.

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For England, Josh Tongue bagged a five-wicket haul, while Gus Atkinson took three wickets and Jamie Overton chipped in with two.

England still need 324 runs with eight wickets in hand

In reply, England openers Ben Duckett and Zak Crawley provided a steady start. The Indian bowlers initially looked less penetrative, as the English batters appeared comfortable. But the final over of the day changed the mood.

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Mohammed Siraj was handed the ball, with just two deliveries remaining in the day. England were 50 for no loss, and Crawley was on 14*. Siraj produced a brilliant yorker that knocked over Crawley’s off-stump, delivering a much-needed breakthrough for India.

That wicket brought an end to Day Three's play. England will now need 324 more runs over the next two days with eight wickets in hand, Duckett unbeaten at the crease and key batters still to come.

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