India Take Control on Day 3: Jaiswal & Akash Deep Frustrate England at The Oval
India enjoyed a dominant morning session on the third day of the Fifth Test at The Oval. Openers Yashasvi Jaiswal (51*) and nightwatchman Akash Deep (50*) combined for a brisk fifty‑plus stand that lifted India to 154/2 by drinks, taking the lead over 100—**India’s lead now stands at 102 runs**. England struggled with fielding errors and dropped multiple catches, allowing India to ease ahead. The weather stayed completely clear, promising uninterrupted play.
Morning Session: Jaiswal & Akash Deep Shine
India resumed at 75/2 and immediately shifted momentum. The duo added 80+ runs in just one hour, frustrating the England attack. Akash Deep turned in a composed debut, reaching his maiden Test fifty, while Jaiswal looked in fluent touch, guiding India past the 100‑run lead mark. England’s seamers—especially Tongue and Overton—found no purchase early on.
Dropped Chances Haunt England
England’s fielding lapses proved costly. Jaiswal was dropped twice early in his innings—from Brook at slip when on 20 and Dawson in the deep at 40. These miss opportunities allowed India to settle and build the lead. Meanwhile, Akash Deep survived an LBW review on umpire’s call and edged an Est slip chance which was dropped by Crawley.
India’s Lead & Pitch Report
India closed the morning on 154/2, creating a lead of **over 100 runs**. The pitch, which had seam movement on previous days, has flattened under clear skies—making batting easier. Former pacer Varun Aaron backed the batters to score big today. With rain cleared, it’s set to be a pivotal “moving day” in the series.
Series Context & Momentum Shift
England lead the series 2–1 and entered Day 3 needing breakthroughs. India’s strong batting performance after Day 2’s collapse has shifted momentum. With England missing Ben Stokes and Chris Woakes (ruled out), India appear well poised to seize control of the match on home soil.
Summary Table
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| India at tea | 154/2 (Jaiswal 51*, Akash Deep 50*) |
| Lead | 102 runs |
| Catches dropped | Two early drops off Jaiswal; more missed chances |
| Pitch & Weather | Clear skies, flattening pitch supports batting |
| Series score | England lead 2–1; India gaining upper hand |
FAQs
How did India perform on Day 3?
India had a strong start as Jaiswal and nightwatchman Akash Deep added over 80 runs to take the lead past 100 early in the day.
What were the key batting partnerships?
Jaiswal (51*) and Akash Deep (50*) stitched a vital stand, frustrating England and establishing a 102‑run lead.
Did England drop chances on Day 3?
Yes, England dropped multiple catches—including two early off Jaiswal—which cost them momentum and allowed India to build a healthy lead.
Disclaimer: This article is based on information compiled from online sources. Please verify independently before making any decisions based on it.
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