Rohit Sharma's Surprise Oval Test Visit Creates Fan Frenzy as India Romps Day 3

It was a wonderful sight for cricket enthusiasts as Rohit Sharma made an unexpected visit to The Oval on Day 3 of the India vs England final Test match. Rohit, who had recently retired from Test cricket on the eve of this series, was spotted in a casual and relaxed attire in the stadium. His appearance during the nail-biting match was met with huge attention not only from the crowd seated in the stands but also from social media fans who were ecstatic to have a peek at their beloved batter. Rohit played for India recently earlier this year in the Champions Trophy where he was a vital cog for the team's success. Fans since then had been waiting anxiously for his next outing in Indian colors which is slated to take place in October in the white-ball tour to Australia.

In the field India also had a great morning session on Day 3 when they scored 189 for 3 at lunch and were 166 runs ahead of England in their second innings. The highlight of the morning session was a great combination of Yashasvi Jaiswal and nightwatchman Akash Deep. Both the batsmen displayed determination and confidence with Jaiswal remaining unbeaten on 85 and Akash Deep making a sparkling 66 runs including 12 boundaries. It was a ceremonial knock by Akash who had been originally brought in as a nightwatchman but went on to play a crucial role in ensuring India's top position in the match. He scored his first Test half-century and celebrated by pointing to the India crest on his jersey which won him a standing ovation from the team and even a smile from head coach Gautam Gambhir.

Akash began his day in style by hitting the boundary early against Jacob Bethell and then continued to add runs with a string of attack on Gus Atkinson. The Akash-Jaiswal couple also attacked Josh Tongue and capitalized on loose balls. Akash was given some luck as he was dropped by Zak Crawley at third slip after holding on in a close lbw appeal. Jaiswal, however, remained cool and composed greeting Jamie Overton with a gorgeous upper-cut for four. Akash's confidence grew more and more as he sent Atkinson to the fence several times and took his fifty with a big shot through the leg side. His enthusiasm and determination made him the session's star and left India in charge of a very important game.

But Akash's enjoyment ended near lunch when he attempted to play a quick delivery from Overton and could only get a leading edge which was gloved by a diving backward point fielder. But for his dismissal, his attempt had done much more than required of him as a nightwatchman and his 107-run partnership with Jaiswal had provided India with a good platform. After the dismissal of Akash Shubman Gill came in to join Jaiswal at the crease and exhibited his class with classy shots such as a sharp drive and a nicely timed steer during the lunch interval.

Though the Indian side was going great guns on the field the online chatter regarding Rohit Sharma's presence remained afloat. Fans uploaded photographs and videos of Rohit having a great time watching the match and exchanging light moments in the stands. His surprise trip to the stadium provided the day with an emotional and nostalgic feel for fans who have been following his career for years. Although he is no longer a member of the Test team his influence and popularity remain unrivaled.

Rohit's The Oval appearance is at a time when Indian cricket is undergoing transition with young guns like Jaiswal and Akash rising to the occasion and proving themselves in high-pressure games. The game had already attracted attention because the series was level and the final Test was a decider. India required a solid performance to win the series and the morning session of Day 3 gave just that with bat and ball both playing their part in the momentum.

Earlier in the session England had attempted everything to disrupt the partnership but were unable to find solutions to the Indian batters' aggressive tactics. The English pitch was flattening out and making stroke play simpler and the Indian pair made good use of it. The coolness and shot sense of Jaiswal and the bold hitting of Akash proved to be the turning point for India. It was one of those performances where everything went in favor of the Indian team and the body language of the English team reflected frustration as the runs continued to add up.

With India taking a solid lead and the pitch still favoring batting the team will seek to make the most out of it in the next sessions. Having the presence of someone like Rohit Sharma at the stadium would surely be a morale boost for the young team and give them the motivation to push for a record series victory. The audience was visibly enjoying the on-field drama and off-field thrill generated by Rohit's return. Twitter and Facebook were filled with reaction photos and comments of fans thrilled to see the old warhorse return even if only as a spectator.

Looking to the future the availability of stars like Jaiswal and emergence of upcoming talents like Akash Deep proves that Indian cricket is in capable hands. The people will now tick off the days until Rohit wears the India jersey once more on the Australian tour next time around. Until then his dramatic show up at The Oval will be one of the most discussed moments of this thrilling Test series.