Washington Sundar’s spirited counterattack came to an end on Day 3 at The Oval, as England bowler Josh Tongue claimed his fifth wicket, dismissing Sundar for a 46-ball 53. With Sundar’s fall, India’s innings wrapped up, setting England a challenging target of 374 runs — the highest ever chased in a fourth innings at this historic venue if achieved.
Tongue, who has impressed throughout the series, delivered the final blow with a full delivery on the leg stump that induced a leading edge from Sundar as he tried to glance it fine. The ball ballooned into the air, causing a near collision between Zak Crawley and Ollie Pope at mid-wicket. Fortunately for England, Crawley held his nerve and completed the catch, narrowly avoiding a mishap with Pope. The dismissal marked Tongue’s maiden five-wicket haul in Test cricket.
Sundar’s enterprising knock included four fours and four sixes, and came at a time when India needed quick lower-order runs. His 53 added crucial resistance, pushing the target beyond the psychological 350-run mark.
Earlier in the over, Tongue had built pressure with a series of short-of-length deliveries and tight lines. Sundar, trying to farm the strike, refused singles and nearly chipped one back to the bowler. Eventually, the pressure told.
As things stand, England will need to rewrite history to win. Their highest successful fourth-innings chase at The Oval is 263/9, achieved way back in 1902. Notably, their highest fourth-innings total at this venue is 369/6, which came in a drawn Test against India in 2007.
Key Stat:
India set target: 374 runs
England’s record 4th innings at The Oval: 369/6 vs India (draw, 2007)
England’s highest successful chase at The Oval: 263/9 vs Australia, 1902