1. India Press On at The Oval as Series Finale Intensifies

India resumed the second innings on Day 3 at The Oval trailing by just 52 runs with two wickets down. Yashasvi Jaiswal solidified the top order with a gritty 58, supported by nightwatchman Akash Deep to steady the ship. England rotated their attack—Gus Atkinson and Josh Tongue probing for breakthroughs—while batters settled in to build a critical lead.  

2. Pitched Battle: England Bowlers Seek Momentum

Despite a surface offering bounce and seam, England haven’t struck deep yet. Bethell joined the rotation late, but it’s been Atkinson leading the charge. With India's aim clear—to punch ahead and seize charge—England remain alert to shift the tide.  

3. “Handshake‑Gate” Spoils Old Trafford, Tensions Escalate

Tensions spilled over in Test 4 at Old Trafford when England skipper Ben Stokes offered a handshake signaling a draw while Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar neared centuries. India declined. Jadeja celebrated with a six to complete his ton, while riders and critics called Stokes' gesture “classless,” “ungracious,” and perhaps premature.  

4. Gambhir Speaks Out; England’s Supporters Retort

Indian coach Gautam Gambhir strongly defended India’s right to play on, calling out Stokes’ offer. Former  England spinner Monty Panesar and legend Nasser Hussain echoed criticism of England’s conduct. Meanwhile ex-captain Stuart Broad backed Stokes’s gesture as sporting, leading to a chasm of opinion across cricketing circles.  

5. Oval Curator Clash Adds Fuel to Fire

Before the final Test began, Gambhir locked horns with Surrey groundsman Lee Fortis over India’s limited pitch access during net sessions. Gambhir’s public comment that Fortis was “just a groundsman” triggered backlash, raising questions of respect and equality of treatment. The confrontation underscored the rising tension both on and off the field.  

6. India Under Pressure: in Collapses Compound Stakes

India’s second innings folded quickly after resuming at 204–6, all out for 224 thanks to Josh Atkinson’s five-wicket haul and Tongue’s sharp returns. The tail-end collapse further dampened hopes of salvaging the series, placing India firmly on the back foot as they chase a target to level.  

7. What’s at Stake: Test Survival vs. Series Triumph

At 2–1 in England’s favor, only a win by a significant margin would give India a shot at drawing the series. A draw would hand England the crown. With India striving to rebuild, and England aiming to wrap things up, every session now holds weighty significance.