Day 3 of the fifth Test ended with a dramatic twist as Mohammed Siraj delivered a perfect yorker to bowl Zak Crawley on the final ball, leaving England at 50/1 in pursuit of a daunting 374-run target. With nine wickets in hand and 324 runs still needed, the match tilted firmly in India’s favor as Siraj capped off another outstanding performance, finishing the day with match figures of eight wickets.
England had started their fourth-innings chase with intent. Crawley and Ben Duckett added 50 brisk runs, showing no signs of fear against India’s aggressive pace attack. The openers played positive cricket, cutting down the deficit in quick time and giving England a glimmer of hope heading into the last two days. But Siraj, who has been India’s spearhead all series, produced a moment of magic just when it mattered most. His inswinging yorker crashed into Crawley’s stumps, sparking celebrations and shifting the momentum back to the visitors.
Siraj’s impact over the course of the match has been immense. His ability to strike early, maintain pressure, and return late with decisive breakthroughs has been critical in India’s strategy. Across both innings, he showcased control over seam and reverse swing, constantly troubling England’s top order. With eight wickets to his name already, he stands as the standout bowler of the Test, filling the void left by Jasprit Bumrah’s absence.
India’s dominance was built earlier in the day when their second innings declaration at 396 set England a massive 374 to win. Yashasvi Jaiswal’s century, Akash Deep’s gritty 66, and Washington Sundar’s quick-fire 53 powered India into a commanding position. England’s bowlers, led by Josh Tongue’s five-wicket haul, fought to keep the target under 400, but India’s depth ensured a sizable cushion for their attack to defend.
For England, Ben Duckett remains unbeaten and will be key when play resumes. His aggressive style fits the high-risk chase that lies ahead, but the loss of Crawley at the stroke of stumps is a psychological setback. The Oval pitch, showing signs of variable bounce and offering assistance to reverse swing, adds another layer of difficulty for a side tasked with one of the venue’s toughest fourth-innings chases in history.
Dropped catches earlier in the match continue to haunt England, as missed chances allowed Jaiswal and others to build India’s lead. Fielding lapses have cost runs and momentum, compounding the pressure heading into the business end of the Test.
With two days left, India are firmly in control. Siraj’s energy and skill have given them the perfect opening into England’s batting order, and with nine wickets to take over extended time, the visitors will back their attack to finish the job. England, on the other hand, will need a record-breaking display of resilience and aggression to chase down the total.
Siraj’s last-ball strike wasn’t just a wicket—it was a statement. As The Oval crowd held its breath, India’s pacer reminded everyone that this Test is being played on his terms, setting the stage for a gripping Day 4.