Day 3 of the Oval Test witnessed more than just high-quality cricket, as tempers flared amongst Yashasvi Jaiswal, Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett and Ollie Pope. It all happened when India headed to lunch at 189/3, with Jaiswal unbeaten on 85 and skipper Shubman Gill freshly at the crease. The session, however, was defined as much by confrontation as by runs.
Akash Deep’s counterattack steals the morning
The highlight of the session was nigh-watchman Akash Deep, who played a spirited knock of 66 off 94 deliveries. His maiden Test fifty not only frustrated a depleted England attack but also shifted momentum firmly in India’s favour. In a rapid 107-run stand with Jaiswal, Akash punished every loose delivery before Jamie Overton finally dismissed him with a short-pitched ball that Gus Atkinson grabbed at point.
Yashasvi Jaiswal, Zak Crawley and Ollie Pope indulge in fiery exchange
As the players made their way off the field, an unexpected flashpoint emerged. Crawley and Pope were caught on camera engaging in a heated exchange with Jaiswal. The left-handed opener, who was seen limping in the final over of the session and appeared to be taking his time between deliveries, seemingly irked the England players. Crawley, in particular, was visibly animated — a continuation of the needle between him and Gill during the previous Test.
Here’s the video:
What a session for India! 🇮🇳
Some words exchanged between the players as they go off for lunch… 👀 pic.twitter.com/VvOj7h3O4C
— Sky Sports Cricket (@SkyCricket) August 2, 2025
Adding to the irony, Crawley himself had earlier dropped Akash at third slip and has been accused of slowing the game down on several occasions during the series.
Jaiswal puts India in command with sizzling century
The Oval pitch has noticeably flattened out, with seam movement reducing significantly. This shift has allowed India to stretch their lead beyond 250 runs. Jaiswal’s commanding 118 laid the foundation before Overton dismissed him, and with Ravindra Jadeja still at the crease.