Day 3 of the crucial 5th Test between India and England at The Oval promises high stakes, with India looking to build on their fiery start and set a formidable total. After two exhilarating days of cricket, the match is finely poised. India ended Day 2 at 75/2 in their second innings, holding a lead of 52 runs.
India's comeback on Day 2 was sparked by the pace duo of Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna, who claimed four wickets each to restrict England's first-innings lead to a mere 23 runs. England, after a strong opening partnership, were bowled out for 247 in response to India's first innings total of 224.
At the close of play on Day 2, Yashasvi Jaiswal remained unbeaten on 51, accompanied by nightwatchman Akash Deep. Jaiswal's aggressive batting, which included seven boundaries and two sixes, provided momentum to India's innings. However, he had a slice of luck, having been dropped early in his innings. India will be looking for him to convert his start into a big score.
The start of India's innings saw the fall of KL Rahul for 7 runs and Sai Sudharsan for 11. Gus Atkinson and Josh Tongue took a wicket each. With India two wickets down, the onus is now on Shubman Gill, along with Jaiswal, to stabilize the innings and build a substantial lead.
England's bowling attack has suffered setbacks with Ben Stokes already out of the match due to a shoulder injury. Chris Woakes had to leave the field due to a fielding injury. This leaves England with a relatively inexperienced pace attack consisting of Josh Tongue, Gus Atkinson and Jamie Overton.
Earlier in the day, England's innings saw contributions from Zak Crawley (64) and Harry Brook (53). However, after a strong opening stand of 92, India fought back with regular wickets. A burst of three wickets before tea, including the crucial scalps of Joe Root and Jamie Smith, ensured England wouldn't get too far ahead.
Looking ahead to Day 3, the weather forecast is promising, with a 0% chance of rain and clear skies expected. This means more overs can be played. The pitch at The Oval has been testing for batters throughout the Test series. Statistically, Day 3 is the best day for bowlers at The Oval, so the Indian batters will need to be cautious against the England pacers.
All eyes will be on Shubman Gill, who has a good record in the third innings of Test matches. He averages 69.3 against England in the third innings and has scored two centuries in this series in Birmingham and Manchester. India will be hoping he can step up and score big, giving them a target that will be difficult for England to chase.