ENG vs IND: Can India win Oval Test after conceding lead? Here's what history says

ENG vs IND, 5th Test: India have won two Test matches at the Kennington Oval and have a chance to add to that tally in the ongoing series, where they are aiming to save the series.

In Short

• India lead by 52 runs at Stumps on Day 2 of the Oval Test
• India have won two Tests at the Kennington Oval in 1971 and 2021
• There have been six instances of teams chasing 200 plus targets at the Oval

The Oval Test is hanging in the balance after a thrilling Day 2, with 16 wickets tumbling. England would have been feeling confident after bowling India out for just 224. Their openers, Ben Duckett and Zak Crawley, then blazed to a 92-run partnership off just 78 balls, putting India under serious pressure. But the tides shifted dramatically after the first session, as India launched a fierce counterattack.

Prasidh Krishna and Mohammed Siraj stole the show with four wickets apiece, and England's lead was limited to just 23 runs. Though Zak Crawley and Harry Brook both notched up fifties, their contributions weren't enough to shift the momentum fully in England's favor on a tense South London afternoon.

| Oval Test, Day 2 Highlights - Scorecard |

Now, India has regained the upper hand in their second innings, taking a crucial 52-run lead thanks to an explosive half-century off just 44 balls from Yashasvi Jaiswal. With three days left in this epic encounter, the big question remains: Can India seal the deal? Can they fight back to win a Test after conceding a first-innings lead?

India have done it before

There have been several memorable instances where visiting teams have won at The Oval after conceding a first-innings lead. One of the most famous was in August 1971, when India beat England by 4 wickets despite being 71 runs behind. India fought back, with key batting performances from Ajit Wadekar and solid bowling that helped them chase down the target.

In September 2024, Sri Lanka also stunned England by winning by 8 wickets after trailing by 62 runs. West Indies did it twice: in 1963 and 1988, beating England by 8 wickets after conceding leads of 29 and 22 runs, respectively. Australia also pulled off a narrow 7-run win in 1882 after being 38 runs behind. Another Indian comeback came in 2021, when India won by 157 runs despite being 99 runs behind.

Instances of visiting Test teams winning at The Oval after conceding a lead

• India beat England by 4 wickets after conceding a lead of 71 - August 1971
• Sri Lanka beat England by 8 wickets after conceding a lead of 62 - September 2024
• West Indies beat England by 8 wickets after conceding a lead of 29 runs - August 1963
• West Indies beat England by 8 wickets after conceding a lead of 22 runs - August 1988
• Australia beat England by 7 runs after conceding a lead of 38 runs - August 1882
• India beat England by 157 runs after conceding a lead of 99 runs - September 2021

How much does India need?

The Oval has witnessed several thrilling run chases in Test cricket history. Some of the most memorable include England’s 263 against Australia in 1902 and the West Indies' 253 against England in 1963. India’s only successful chase at the venue came in 1971, when they chased down 173 against England for a historic victory.
Other notable chases include Australia’s 242 against England in 1972 and Sri Lanka's upcoming chase of 219 against England in 2024. With their strong batting lineup, India will look to replicate their 1971 feat if they are asked to chase at The Oval again.
The venue remains a top destination for thrilling, high-pressure finishes in Test cricket. However, considering the current condition of the Oval pitch, England will face a tough challenge if required to chase a target of over 200.

Highest successful Test run-chases at The Oval

• England beat Australia (target 263) — 11 Aug 1902
• West Indies beat England (target 253) — 22 Aug 1963
• Australia beat England (target 242) — 10 Aug 1972
• West Indies beat England (target 225) — 4 Aug 1988
• Sri Lanka beat England (target 219) — 6 Sep 2024
• England beat South Africa (target 204) — 18 Aug 1994
• England beat South Africa (target 197) — 7 Aug 2008
• India beat England (target 173) — 19 Aug 1971
• England beat South Africa (target 163) — 16 Aug 1951
• Pakistan beat England (target 148) — 18 Aug 2010
• England beat West Indies (target 143) — 8 Aug 1991
• England beat New Zealand (target 138) — 21 Aug 1969
• England beat New Zealand (target 138) — 27 Jul 1978

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