Sundar’s fireworks, Siraj’s final-ball strike leave England dazed ahead of Oval decider

India’s push for a series-leveling victory surged forward with dramatic force on Day 3 at The Oval, where a mix of grit, guile, and fireworks left England staggering.

Washington Sundar's explosive 53 off just 46 balls — laced with four towering sixes — and Mohammed Siraj’s pinpoint dismissal of Zak Crawley on the last ball of the day capped off a performance that leaves the final Test tantalizingly poised.

Set a mammoth 374 to win, England finished at 50/1, still needing 324 on a pitch showing erratic signs. With nine wickets in hand and overcast skies predicted, the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy is heading for a nerve-racking climax.

Earlier in the day, India’s innings blossomed through unexpected heroes. Nightwatchman Akash Deep’s resolute 66 in the morning, Yashasvi Jaiswal’s timely second-innings hundred, and Sundar’s audacious hitting in the dying moments piled pressure on an already worn-out English side.

Jaiswal silences critics with second-innings statement

Under scrutiny for a string of low second-innings scores, Jaiswal showed rare restraint to anchor India’s innings with a composed 118 — a stark contrast to his explosive reputation. His innings was marked by deep focus, long solitary walks between deliveries, and a clear desire to prove he could deliver when it mattered most.

It was a much-needed redemption arc. Despite scoring nearly 400 runs this series before this match, Jaiswal had struggled to contribute significantly in second innings — with just 37 runs across four Tests. But under pressure, on a series-defining day, he rewrote the narrative with discipline and defiance.

England, for their part, were generous with reprieves — dropping Jaiswal thrice across both days — mistakes that now haunt them as they face a mountain of a chase.

Sundar’s sixes shift the tone

If Jaiswal built the foundation, it was Washington Sundar who blew the roof off. With tailenders around him and the field spread, the Tamil Nadu all-rounder picked his moments with deadly precision. His signature pick-up shot over fine leg and a thumping blow over deep mid-wicket brought up his half-century, leaving England’s attack demoralized.

The 39-run partnership for the final wicket not only added crucial runs but further sapped England’s energy — both physical and mental. Having already spent long hours in the field, they looked ragged. Siraj’s late breakthrough — bowling Crawley with a full inswinger — was the final punch on a day dominated by India.

England’s final hurdle

The equation is simple, but the path anything but. England need 324 runs to win a final Test they once seemed in control of. But weather — rain is forecast for the second half of Day 4 — and Indian bowlers now stand in their way.

The Oval pitch has its own mind, sometimes lifeless, sometimes spitting fire. The ball stopped swinging this morning after offering plenty on Day 2 — a reminder of the unpredictability that looms over Day 4.

For England, déjà vu awaits. They chased 371 at Leeds earlier in the series — a near-miracle. But this time, there’s more than runs to fight: exhaustion, form, and a rejuvenated Indian side that smells blood.

Whether England can rise again — or whether this Test marks the final unraveling — will be revealed in the most telling first hour of this dramatic series.