Yashasvi Jaiswal once again proved to be England’s nemesis, scoring his fourth Test century against them—and sixth overall—to put India in a commanding position on Day 3 of the fifth and final Test at The Oval on Saturday.
The 23-year-old Indian opener, despite being dropped three times, struck a vital 118 as India posted 396 in their second innings, setting England a daunting fourth-innings target of 374 to win and seal the series 3-1. The hosts, however, ended the day on 50-1, needing 324 more to win with nine wickets in hand.
Mohammed Siraj struck a crucial blow with the final delivery of the day, clean bowling Zak Crawley for 14 with a searing yorker. Ben Duckett remained unbeaten on 34.
Jaiswal reached his century in flamboyant fashion, celebrating with a leap and a heart gesture even before completing the single off his 127th ball. “I had to work really hard in my practice session,” Jaiswal said. “I was thinking, ‘one last push.’ It’s not easy playing in England, but we are confident and will give our best.”
India’s innings was further strengthened by solid contributions from nightwatchman Akash Deep, Ravindra Jadeja, and Washington Sundar. Akash Deep smashed a career-best 66 in a 107-run partnership with Jaiswal for the third wicket. Jadeja continued his strong form with a composed 53, while Sundar played a breezy knock of 53 off just 46 deliveries, including four sixes.
India holds 52-run lead over England after day two at the Oval
Although India captain Shubman Gill managed only 11 in this innings, he finished the series with a record-breaking total of 754 runs—surpassing Graham Gooch’s 752 in 1990, the previous highest aggregate in an India-England series.
England, meanwhile, struggled in the field, dropping six catches—their most in a home Test since 2006, also at The Oval. The absence of experienced pacer Chris Woakes, who picked up a shoulder injury on Day 1, left England’s bowling attack under strain.
Josh Tongue stood out with figures of 5-125, while Gus Atkinson supported well with 3-127, following his five-wicket haul from the first innings.
Looking ahead to Day 4, Tongue remained optimistic: “It will be a great day of cricket tomorrow, and a great day for us if we get the runs. The batting line-up we have is unbelievable. If we can build partnerships, who knows where we might be? Fingers crossed I’m not required, but I’ll give it my best if I am.”
England, which leads the series 2-1, has a history of successful chases under head coach Brendon McCullum, including their 371-run chase against India in Leeds during the first Test of this series.
Source: Agency