England closed the day at 50 for 1, still trailing by 324 runs, with opener Ben Duckett unbeaten on a fluent 34. But it was Siraj’s final-over breakthrough, and the manner in which it came, that left the biggest impression as India ended the day firmly in control
Zak Crawley smiles after delay tactics at end of day's play on Saturday (Pic: Screengrab/Sony Sports Network/X)
Mohammed Siraj delivered a telling blow late on Day 3 of the ongoing Test at The Oval, knocking over Zak Crawley with a searing yorker to leave England on the back foot in pursuit of a daunting 374-run target.
England closed the day at 50 for 1, still trailing by 324 runs, with opener Ben Duckett unbeaten on a fluent 34. But it was Siraj’s final-over breakthrough, and the manner in which it came, that left the biggest impression as India ended the day firmly in control.
Crawley, known for his frustrating delay tactics throughout the series, appeared to repeat those antics once again. With only a few balls left in the day, the England opener backed away mid-run-up just as Siraj steamed in to deliver, a moment that drew a wry smile from Shubman Gill in the slips. This time, there were no words or confrontations, only a knowing grin, in stark contrast to the animated exchanges that had marred the Lord’s Test earlier in the series.
Crawley tried an old trick, Captain Gill, however, answered with a smile 😊 #SonySportsNetwork #ENGvIND #NayaIndia #DhaakadIndia #TeamIndia #ExtraaaInnings pic.twitter.com/4UOOftok5M
— Sony Sports Network (@SonySportsNetwk) August 2, 2025
What followed, however, was pure theatre. On just the third delivery after the brief interruption, India executed a perfect bluff. With the field set for a short ball, Siraj instead unleashed a pinpoint yorker that caught Crawley completely off-guard. Caught between expectations and reality, Crawley couldn’t bring his bat down in time, his stumps rattled as the Indian camp erupted in celebration.
Earlier in the day, India posted a commanding 396 in their second innings, setting England a formidable target thanks to a mix of resilience and aggression across the batting order.
Yashasvi Jaiswal and Akash Deep laid the platform with a blistering 107-run partnership for the third wicket, combining flair and discipline to keep England at bay. Jaiswal looked in sublime touch before falling for 67, while Akash Deep contributed a crucial 48.
Ravindra Jadeja then played a stabilising role with a composed 53 before edging one to second slip, while Washington Sundar turned the momentum decisively with a swashbuckling 53 off just 46 deliveries. Sundar's innings, laced with boundaries and three towering sixes, electrified the crowd and ensured India posted a total well beyond England’s comfort zone.
As Day 4 looms, all eyes will be on England’s batting line-up as they face the monumental task of chasing their second-highest total in Test history — against a charged-up Indian bowling attack and a pitch beginning to show signs of wear.
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