Akash Deep and Yashasvi Jaiswal shone on Day 3 of the 5th Test in the ongoing Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, with India setting up a challenging total as the match remains evenly poised heading into Day 4.
Day 3 began with nightwatchman Akash Deep getting an early life courtesy of Zak Crawley, who dropped him to everyone’s surprise. The right-arm seamer made full use of the opportunity and began finding boundaries as the surface looked flat under the sun. Meanwhile, Jaiswal confidently rotated the strike, while Akash Deep bossed the middle.
Akash Deep Surprises with Fifty, Jaiswal Brings Up Century as India Extend Lead
Akash Deep brought up his maiden fifty in style. He stitched a valuable stand with Yashasvi Jaiswal, contributing more than what was expected of him before walking off after a fine knock of 64 runs as a nightwatchman.
England struggled to pick wickets in the first session, but bounced back strongly after lunch, removing the likes of Shubman Gill and Karun Nair. Meanwhile, Ravindra Jadeja, who came in at number 6, built a solid partnership with Jaiswal. The opener went on to bring up his 6th Test century, extending India’s lead beyond 300.
However, England’s bowlers made a strong comeback after tea to bowl India out for 396, setting a target of 374. Jaiswal top-scored with his century, while half-centuries from Akash Deep, Ravindra Jadeja, and Washington Sundar helped India post a commanding total.
Also Read: BCCI to Reassess Jasprit Bumrah’s ‘Pick and Choose’ Policy - Reports
Siraj Strikes Late as England Close Day 3 on 50/1 in Tough Chase
England came out to bat with a few overs left on Day 3, and batting seemed noticeably easier for openers Ben Duckett and Zak Crawley. Unlike the first two days, there wasn’t much lateral movement with the new ball. Other than a couple of deliveries from Akash Deep that bounced a bit more, England's batters were largely untroubled. The pitch, having been rolled with hard rollers, played much flatter during England’s innings.
England’s openers showed controlled aggression as they looked to end the day without losing a wicket — but Mohammed Siraj had other plans. With just three balls left in the day, he produced a brilliant yorker to castle Zak Crawley, who was dismissed for 14 (36). England ended Day 3 at 50/1 in 13.4 overs, still needing 324 runs to win the Test and the series, with two full days of play remaining.
Stay tuned for more updates on the England vs India 5th Test.
