It was a classic, nail-biting day of Test cricket at The Oval. England’s bowlers fought their way back into the game, but India’s stubborn team still managed to keep their lead strong. The last Test of the series is very close at tea on day three, with India at 304-6.
It was a real back-and-forth game in the afternoon under cloudy London skies. England, desperate to keep India’s lead in check, came out firing after lunch and managed to snag three crucial wickets. But just when it looked like they might sweep through the Indian lineup, the visitors dug in, making sure this series decider will go all the way.
The Afternoon Session Play
India had a great start to the day and looked ready to bat England out of the game. But after lunch, things changed a lot. England’s bowlers, led by the ageless James Anderson and a surprisingly good Joe Root, found their rhythm and started asking tough questions.
The pressure worked, and India’s middle-order batsmen, who had looked comfortable in the morning, lost their wickets. The Barmy Army cheered loudly after each wicket, knowing they had a real chance to change the game.
India’s Lower-Order Resistance
India’s famously tough lower order stood up to be counted just when England thought they were on top. Rishabh Pant, a wicketkeeper-batsman known for his aggressive, counter-attacking style, had a very important innings with the always-reliable Ravindra Jadeja.
They handled the pressure and then started to lower England’s spirits by hitting important boundaries to keep the score going. Their partnership was very important in getting India’s lead over 300 runs, which was a big blow to the home team.
The last session of day three could very well decide the winner of the whole series, since the match is so close. The big question is whether India’s remaining batsmen can build a lead that England’s bowlers can’t catch up to, or whether England’s bowlers will quickly clean up the tail and give their batters a chance to win.
There’s no doubt about it: the end of this hard-fought day of Test cricket will be exciting.
Image & News Source: Reuters
