TimesofIndia.com in London: England pacer Josh Tongue admitted that bowling a bowler short on Day 3 was always going to be a tough challenge, but remained calm about the fourth-innings chase as the hosts were set a daunting 374-run target by India in the final Test at The Oval.
“It was always going to be a tough ask for us bowlers,” said Tongue after stumps on Saturday. “But we’re pretty chilled. Not overthinking the target. With the batting line-up we’ve got, there’s no reason why we can’t chase it.”
Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW! Tongue also spoke about how the pitch has changed over the course of three days. “There was a bit in it early on, but the heavy roller seemed to flatten it. Still, the odd one is jumping from length.”
When asked about a potential Ashes tour later this year, the fast bowler brushed it aside. “Not thinking ahead right now,” he said.
Tongue, who was taken for a few by nightwatchman Akash Deep, admitted the lower-order runs were frustrating. “He got a few runs. That hurt.”
India had earlier taken charge of the match with a fine hundred from Yashasvi Jaiswal and a fiery 66 from Akash Deep, who shared a century stand in the morning session. Washington Sundar then smashed a 46-ball 53 as India set a record target of 374 — the highest ever set at The Oval in Test cricket.
At the close of play, England were 50 for 1, with Siraj removing Crawley just before stumps. With two full days left, the match is still open, though India look firmly on top. England’s approach on Day 4 could define the Test and perhaps the series.
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