ENG vs IND: Fans go gaga as Washington Sundar’s thunderous 53 leaves England facing historic run chase at The Oval

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As the drama of Day 3 unfolded at The Oval, India‘s lead swelled to an intimidating total, thanks in no small part to a late, destructive cameo from all-rounder Washington Sundar. Following the brilliant centuries from Yashasvi Jaiswal and the crucial half-century from nightwatchman Akash Deep, Sundar took control of the lower order. In a blistering display of aggressive hitting, he launched a stunning assault on the England bowlers, propelling India’s total well past the 350-run mark and setting England an improbable target. His fearless fifty was the final nail in the coffin, leaving England with a near-record chase to win the series.

Washington Sundar’s thunderous 53 sets England a record Oval chase

With India’s formidable second-innings total in sight, Sundar took it upon himself to deliver the final knockout punch. Coming to the crease after the dismissal of wicketkeeper Dhruv Jurel, Sundar immediately went on the offensive. Displaying a breathtaking array of power-hitting, he launched a stunning assault on the English bowlers, racing to a fifty in just 46 balls. His innings was a thrilling exhibition of clean striking, punctuated by four fours and four sixes, which completely deflated the opposition. What made Sundar’s performance even more impactful was his ability to bat fearlessly with the tail. He formed a crucial last-wicket partnership with Prasidh Krishna, where Krishna played a supporting role, allowing Sundar to take on the strike and inflict maximum damage. This late-innings blitz ensured India’s total swelled to 396, setting England a daunting target of 374 for victory, and leaving them with a Herculean task on a difficult pitch.

Also READ: ENG vs IND: Top 5 highest successful run chases at the Oval ft. England

India’s second innings: A tale of collective dominance

India’s second innings was a comprehensive and collective effort that completely reversed the momentum of the Test. The foundation was laid by opener Jaiswal, who converted his overnight score of 51 into a magnificent century, his sixth in Test cricket. Jaiswal’s aggressive and fluent knock of 118 was a masterclass in counter-attacking batting. He was brilliantly supported by nightwatchman Akash Deep, who played the innings of his life, scoring a gritty 66 and stitching together a vital 107-run partnership with Jaiswal.

This partnership completely neutralized England’s early bowling threat and set the tone for the day. While Shubman Gill and Karun Nair were dismissed cheaply, important contributions from Ravindra Jadeja, who also scored a fifty, and Jurel further consolidated India’s position. This collective batting effort ensured India posted a commanding total, placing them in an unassailable position and leaving England to face the daunting prospect of a historic fourth-innings chase on a pitch that is offering assistance to both pacers and spinners.

Here’s how fans reacted:

Also READ: ENG vs IND: Most runs as a captain in a Test series ft. Shubman Gill





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