OXFORD University lost three wickets in five second-innings balls as their bid to win the Varsity Match suffered a setback in The Parks yesterday.

Going into day three with the visitors resuming on 129-3, the Dark Blues took wickets at regular intervals to dismiss Cambridge for 267.

That gave Oxford a lead of 13 runs, and they extended that to 35 when Sam Agarwal and Ben Jeffrey took the score to 22-0.

However, Agarwal was bowled by Paul Best on the final ball of the 13th over.

And worse was to follow when Jeffrey was caught by Akbar Ansari off the bowling of Jonathon Lodwick three balls into the 14th over.

When Alex Scott was bowled the very next ball, Oxford were in deep trouble at 22-3.

However, Ben Willams and Raj Sharma took them through to the close at 42-3, a lead of 55.

Agarwal made the first breakthrough of the day for Oxford, having Best caught by wicket-keeper Sam West-away.

Dan Pascoe then trapped Ansari leg before and Agarwal dismissed Jonno Evans as Cambridge stuttered to 192-6.

When Freddie Johnson sent Gus Kennedy back to the pavilion, Oxford were on top with the visitors on 200-7.

However, a 45-run partnership between Lodwick and Patrick Sadler – and the three quick Oxford wickets – means both sides have all to play for in today’s final day.