Here's a complete breakdown of Day 3 highlights, standout moments, and match-defining turning points from this high-stakes Test clash.
Match Context at the Start of Day 3
- Venue: The Oval, London
- Date: 5 July 2025
- Match: 1st Test – India vs England
- India Overnight Score: 191/4
- England First Innings Total: 276
India began the day trailing by 85 runs, with Shubman Gill and Ravindra Jadeja at the crease. England, on the other hand, aimed to strike early and reclaim the initiative.
Session-by-Session Breakdown
Morning Session: India’s Steady Progress
India started cautiously in the morning, with Shubman Gill showing great composure. He built a patient partnership with Jadeja, adding valuable runs against a disciplined English pace attack.
- Gill completed a well-crafted 71, showcasing strong defensive technique and shot selection.
- Jadeja supported well, rotating the strike and keeping the scoreboard ticking.
However, a sharp delivery from Chris Woakes broke the stand as Jadeja fell for 38. India went into the first break at 255/5, just 21 runs behind.
Afternoon Session: England Fights Back
England mounted a comeback with some tight bowling and field placements.
- Anderson removed Gill with a late outswinger, ending a critical innings.
- The lower order struggled against spin and reverse swing, with Ollie Robinson and Joe Root picking up timely wickets.
- India was bowled out for 301, gaining a 25-run lead.
While India managed to secure a first-innings advantage, England’s quick breakthroughs kept them in the contest.
Evening Session: India’s Bowlers Strike Early
With a small lead, India needed early wickets—and they got them.
- Jasprit Bumrah dismissed Zak Crawley with an inswinger in the first over.
- Mohammed Siraj removed Ben Duckett, trapping him LBW after a sharp spell.
- England ended Day 3 at 67/3, still trailing by 42 runs.
The pitch began to assist spin and variable bounce late in the day, giving India the upper hand heading into Day 4.
Top Performers of Day 3
- Shubman Gill (71 runs): His patience under pressure and technical discipline helped anchor India’s innings.
- Jasprit Bumrah (1/10 in 6 overs): Struck early and maintained consistent pressure.
- Chris Woakes (3 wickets): Provided key breakthroughs for England to restrict India’s lead.
Match Turning Points
1. Shubman Gill’s Composed Knock
His 71-run stand held the innings together and helped India build a platform. Without his innings, India may not have secured the first-innings lead.
2. Anderson’s Key Breakthrough
Removing Gill just before the lower order walked in halted India’s momentum and allowed England to clean up quickly.
3. Early England Wickets in Final Session
Bumrah and Siraj striking in quick succession shifted the match in India’s favor. With England already under pressure, these early blows could prove match-defining.
Pitch & Conditions Update
The surface at The Oval has started to show signs of uneven bounce. The spinners are getting more grip, and pacers are getting reverse swing as the ball ages. Day 4 is expected to be the most challenging day for batters.
What to Expect on Day 4
- England will aim to erase the 42-run deficit and set a target for India.
- India’s bowlers, especially Bumrah and Jadeja, will look to exploit the surface and conditions.
- A target of 250+ could be challenging on this wearing pitch.
Day 4 is set up perfectly for a gripping battle between England’s resilience and India’s momentum.
Conclusion
Day 3 of the India vs England Test on 5 July 2025 brought classic Test cricket action to life—patient batting, tactical bowling, and game-changing moments. With India holding a slim advantage and England looking to rebuild, the match is finely balanced heading into Day 4.