The fifth and final Test match between India and England is currently being played at the Kennington Oval in London. In this match, India has set a target of 374 runs for the hosts to win. Chasing this score, England has reached 50 runs for the loss of one wicket. The third day of the 5th Test ended with the wicket of Zak Crawley, who was dismissed by a brilliant yorker from Mohammed Siraj.
Before getting out, Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett’s opening partnership created history against India. The pair achieved a world record for the most 50-plus opening partnerships against India in Test cricket.
Prior to this, the legendary West Indies duo of Gordon Greenidge and Desmond Haynes had made eight fifty-plus partnerships against India. Now, with nine such partnerships, Crawley and Duckett have surpassed them and etched their names in the record books.
Most 50-plus opening partnerships against India in Test cricket:
- 9 – Zak Crawley & Ben Duckett (England)*
- 8 – Gordon Greenidge & Desmond Haynes (West Indies)
- 7 – Alastair Cook & Andrew Strauss (England)
- 7 – Matthew Hayden & Justin Langer (Australia)
- 7 – Bill Lawry & Bob Simpson (Australia)
Talking about the match situation, Indian batters put on a remarkable show in their second innings, posting 396 runs on the board. Yashasvi Jaiswal scored a brilliant century, while nightwatchman Akash Deep, Ravindra Jadeja, and Washington Sundar all contributed with valuable half-centuries.
Earlier, after losing the toss and batting first, Team India scored 224 runs in their first innings. England replied with 247 runs, taking a 23-run lead.
The match is now perfectly poised, with England needing a big effort on the final two days to chase down the target of 374 runs set by India.