England won the toss and decided to field in the last Test match of the series. England got off to a good start. India lost Yashasvi Jaiswal and Kl Rahul for just 38 runs. Jaiswal scored just 2 and Rahul returned to the dressing room with 18 runs.
The decision to field was a good one after winning the toss. This pitch at Oval cannot be called batting friendly. It is quite difficult to collect 350+ on this pitch. If England's bowlers can bowl in a controlled manner, it will not be possible for India to collect a big total. The possibility of this match being drawn like the last match is very low.
India lost a wicket in the 1st ball of the third over when Yashasvi Jaiswal got out. But then Kl Rahul and his partner Sai Sudharsan were trying to stabilize the game and play a long partnership. Jaiswal carried his front foot and it got Leg Before Wicket and he got LBW out. It was looking like it might not be out, but England reviewed it and the results were in favor of the England team.
So far in this series, KL Rahul's performance is going very well. He has always played huge role in game-changing moments but today he was out making 14 runs.
For India, collecting 250+ has now become a big challenge. Due to the failure of the top order batsmen, it will not be possible for India to collect a big total. India lost their sixth wicket for 153 runs. Karun nair and washington Sundar are now at the crease. BCCI has given karun nair another chance. We have not seen a better performance than karun nair in the first 3 matches. If he fails in this match too, he will not get another chance in the Indian squad. Karun nair is unbeaten on 44 runs.
The most experienced and important batsmen of the Indian squad , GIll and Rahul, could not bat well. Rahul managed to score 14 runs and Gill managed to score 21 runs. Now if the Nair- Sundar pair breaks down, then India's innings will not last much longer.