Tensions flared at The Oval as India went to lunch on Day 3 at 189 for 3, with Yashasvi Jaiswal unbeaten on 85 and captain Shubman Gill newly at the crease. But the biggest moment of the session wasn’t just the runs — it was the drama. Nightwatchman Akash Deep stole the show with a spirited 66 off 94 balls, reaching his maiden Test fifty and frustrating a depleted England attack. He and Jaiswal stitched a rapid 107-run partnership, taking full control of the morning session. His innings ended only when Jamie Overton forced a miscued pull that Gus Atkinson caught comfortably at point. But just as the players walked off for lunch, Zak Crawley and Ollie Pope were seen in a heated exchange with Jaiswal. The opener, seen limping in the final over and possibly trying to waste time, seemed to spark frustration from the England camp. Crawley in particular was animated, a pattern of needle continuing from the Third Test, where he and Shubman Gill had also shared words. Ironically, Crawley himself had earlier dropped Akash Deep at third slip and has been spotted slowing the game on several occasions through the series.
Poll
What impact do you think Akash Deep’s innings had on the game?
The surface today looked flatter, with fewer seam movements, giving India the chance to build a dominant lead, which at the break has swelled past 100. With Jaiswal still looking good and England short on bowling due to Woakes’ injury, the visitors will look to drive home their advantage in the afternoon.
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