India scripted a fine comeback on Day 2 of the IND vs ENG 5th Test. The visitors looked down and out after Lunch after England raced to a 100 in response to India’s 224. However some inspired bowling followed by counter-attacking cricket meant that India had the upper hand 24 hours later at Lunch on Day 3. With Yashasvi Jaiswal gunning for a big score, India would hope to set a gigantic target and level the Anderson Tendulkar Trophy.
India lead by 166 at Lunch on Day 3, how much is enough?
The Oval has not played out as the rest of the pitches have this series. There is some grass and movement, making it a rather low scoring affair. However, England and now India have found a way to get some runs under their tally with some attacking cricket. When the sun is out, runs are easy to come by. On a pitch where most struggled, Akash Deep made his maiden Test half-century on Day 3.
England are confident chasers and have bowled first in 4 of their 5 Tests this series. They hunted down 370 in Leeds on a flat track without much sweat. Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett had put on a 100+ partnership guiding their team to an unlikely victory.
India would hope to put on a big score though it might not be as easy. The highest succesful chase at The Oval came more than 120 years ago, when Australia hunted down 263. A score in excess of 200 has not been chased down since 1994. That should give India some confidence.
Anything in excess of 350 would be India’s aim. Virat Kohli’s Indian side defended 367 on the final day at the same venue, bowling England out for 210. England have since gone about a seismic change in approach. Stokes and Co have hunted down 350+ totals twice in fourth innings against India post that 2021 loss.
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