5th Test: Washington Sundar’s Massive Sixes and Siraj’s Late Wicket Ignite Exciting Finish at The Oval

The fifth and final Test between India and England at The Oval has turned into a nail-biting contest. On Day 3, Washington Sundar’s explosive batting and Mohammed Siraj’s last-ball strike swung the momentum in India’s favour as the match builds up to an intense finale.

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Sundar Lights Up The Oval with Fiery Knock

India was struggling when Washington Sundar walked to the crease. But his aggressive intent turned the tide. Scoring a brisk 53 off just 39 balls, Sundar smashed four huge sixes, including a memorable hit over long-on against Gus Atkinson. His counter-attack took England by surprise and boosted India’s lead past 350.

Sundar’s innings wasn’t just about flair; it came at a crucial moment when the team needed quick runs to pile pressure on the hosts. His partnership with Ravindra Jadeja, who scored 53, was pivotal in tilting the match India’s way.

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Siraj Strikes Gold on Day’s Final Delivery

As England began their second innings, they looked steady with Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett opening cautiously. But just when it seemed the day would end without drama, Mohammed Siraj delivered a perfect yorker to bowl Crawley for 14 on the last ball of the day.

That wicket, with England on 50/1 and chasing a steep 374, could prove to be a turning point. With Chris Woakes out injured, England effectively have one less reliable batter, and Siraj’s late strike tightened the screws on the home team.

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India’s Strong Second Innings Built on Grit and Class

India had begun the day well with Yashasvi Jaiswal leading the charge. His composed and classy 118-run knock laid the foundation for India’s second innings. Despite some top-order wobbles, nightwatchman Akash Deep surprised everyone with a resilient 66, frustrating England’s bowlers.

Together with contributions from Jadeja and Sundar, India posted 396, setting England a mammoth target of 374 runs to win the match and the series.

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England Start Solid But Lose Crucial Wicket

England’s chase began steadily with Crawley and Duckett showing patience. However, Crawley’s dismissal late in the day hurt their rhythm. Already handicapped by injuries—Woakes ruled out and Duckett nursing a hand injury—the team faces a tough uphill task on Day 4.

The Oval has rarely seen successful fourth-innings chases over 260, making the 374-run target historically daunting. England now needs one of their batters to produce something extraordinary.

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Tongue’s Efforts with the Ball Not Enough

Earlier, England’s Josh Tongue put in a commendable effort with the ball, bagging a five-wicket haul, including the prized scalp of Sundar. However, India’s lower order outshined expectations, with Deep, Jadeja, and Sundar frustrating the English attack.

Despite Tongue’s heroics, India’s depth and aggressive intent extended the lead to a challenging total, taking the momentum away from England.

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All Eyes on Day 4: High-Stakes Decider Awaits

With the series on the line, India needs 9 more wickets, while England must chase down 324 more runs. The final day promises to be a gripping spectacle. Can England defy the odds and record a historic chase, or will India’s bowlers seal a hard-fought victory?

Given England’s injury concerns and the fading pitch, India appear to have a slight upper hand. Yet, the unpredictable nature of Test cricket keeps both outcomes on the table.

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Key Performances from Day 3

Player	Contribution	Highlight
Washington Sundar	53 (39 balls), 4 sixes	Turned momentum with late hitting
Mohammed Siraj	1 wicket (Crawley)	Crucial final-ball strike
Yashasvi Jaiswal	118	Anchored the innings with patience
Akash Deep	66	Gritty resistance as nightwatchman
Ravindra Jadeja	53	Reliable middle-order contribution
Josh Tongue	5 wickets	Kept England in the hunt

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Conclusion: India in Pole Position, But Drama Awaits

The fifth Test at The Oval is poised for a dramatic end. India’s batting depth, Sundar’s fireworks, and Siraj’s late strike have put them in a strong position. But Test cricket is full of surprises, and England will be eager to script a historic chase. As fans await Day 4, the stage is set for a thrilling finish to an unforgettable series.