India’s spirited fightback on Day 3 of the fifth and final Test at The Oval was marvellously embodied by Akash Deep, who notched up his maiden fifty as a nightwatchman, making him the toast of the session and putting India in command at lunch.

A dream morning for India

Resuming the day at 75/2, with an overnight lead of 52, India found their confidence buoyed by a fearless stand between Yashasvi Jaiswal and Akash Deep. From the outset, the two batters imposed themselves over a weary England attack, the morning sun shining on The Oval offering amenable batting conditions after two days dominated by seam and swing. Jaiswal, continuing his sublime form, batted fluently, showing why he’s fast becoming the backbone of India’s top order. However, all eyes were drawn to Akash Deep, promoted as nightwatchman, growing in confidence as he blunted and then counter-attacked the English pacers.

Akash Deep smashes his maiden Test half-century

What began as an effort to safeguard India from any further overnight damage soon transformed into an innings of grit and increasing flair. Akash Deep raced past the half-century mark, reaching the milestone with a punchy boundary to spark jubilant celebrations in the Indian dressing room. Captain Shubman Gill and coach Gautam Gambhir were seen beaming, acknowledging the magnitude of Deep’s achievement, both for the player and for the series’ momentum. On his way to a superb 66 off 94 balls, Akash struck 12 crisp boundaries, frustrating the English attack and breaking records as he became the first Indian nightwatchman to score a fifty-plus at The Oval since Amit Mishra in 2011.

Maiden Test fifty for Akash Deep 🏏🌟#ENGvIND #Akashdeep #TeamIndia #Cricket pic.twitter.com/3KsOheHOEt

— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) August 2, 2025

The Jaiswal-Akash partnership crossed the century-mark, tilting the game in India’s favour and entering the record books as the 18th hundred-run stand of this Test series — the highest in any series this century. Their synergy deflated the English fielders and bowlers alike, especially critical as England were without the services of regular captain Ben Stokes and all-rounder Chris Woakes. The duo’s 100+ stand meant that India, originally reeling after early wickets, managed to seize control well before lunch.

When the umpires called lunch, India were comfortably placed at 189/3, extending their lead to 166 runs. Jaiswal looked poised for another big score, unbeaten and composed on 85, while Gill (11 not out), now in, had the platform to push the advantage. England desperately searched for breakthroughs and inspiration, as frustration mounted on a pitch offering little to their depleted bowling attack.

Also READ: ENG vs IND – Would have punched Akash Deep for Ben Duckett-like send off, admits Ricky Ponting

Day 3, Lunch

Scorecard 👉 https://t.co/kagS8I0ryc

India: 189/3, lead by 166 runs 🏏

– Akash Deep played a fantastic knock of 66 and Yashasvi Jaiswal is on the crease at 85*#Cricket #ENGvIND #Akashdeep pic.twitter.com/HxFT7NFXSQ

— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) August 2, 2025

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