Riding on Rohit Sharma’s maiden overseas Test ton (127), India made an excellent fightback at the Oval Test after conceding 99-run lead to England in the first innings. Starting the Day 3 at 43/0, 56 runs behind, they lost only three wickets in the entire day – two of them to the second new ball. At stumps, they had a lead of 171 runs with Virat Kohli and Ravindra Jadeja at the crease.
Under overcast and gloomy conditions, Rohit and Cheteshwar Pujara kept the English attack at bay for the major part of the day with a 153-run stand. Now, a similar effort is needed on Day 4, if India want to be in the comfort zone.
There is good news for them, for the sun is expected to come out in London right from the start of day’s play on Sunday. And there is not much lateral movement off the pitch for James Anderson & co.
Hence, the conditions will once again be in favour of the batters.
Kohli looked in touch during his brief stay at the crease on Saturday, and Indian fans will like him to continue as long as possible. The likes of Ajinkya Rahane and Rishabh Pant will follow. Both are short of runs on this tour, and the conditions here are as ideal for batting as they have been at any point in this series.
England need to hang in. The second new ball is just 11 overs old, and if they consistently bowl at the right spot, they may trigger a collapse. Moeen Ali got to turn a few balls as well. Expect him to bowl a few overs, especially against Jadeja and Pant, if the pacers do not get the breakthroughs upfront.
Under these conditions England will not mind chasing around 250. However, if India can somehow push the lead beyond 300, we will head towards an exciting finish.
– Coming into this innings, Kohli has scored back to back half-centuries. One can back him to score one more on Sunday.
– Ollie Robinson and Chris Woakes are expected to be England’s prime wicket-takers. Their natural length is ideal for this pitch. Have them in your team for a few bowling points.
– Back India to score at least another 80 to 100 and post a target of 250 or more.