Yashasvi Jaiswal’s century turned the tide for India on day three of the fifth Test at The Oval. His gritty 109 helped India build a strong second-innings lead against England, despite a flurry of wickets. As the match swings back and forth, Jaiswal’s knock has placed India in a commanding position as they chase a series win.
India Fights Back After Early Jitters
India resumed their second innings trailing by 23 runs but quickly turned the tables. Jaiswal looked solid from the outset, playing with confidence and precision. His attacking strokes, combined with sharp footwork, kept England’s bowlers at bay. The early loss of Shubman Gill for 11, trapped lbw by Gus Atkinson, didn’t shake India’s focus.
Akash Deep, promoted up the order, played a crucial role in steadying the innings. He added a valuable 66 runs before falling to Jamie Overton, caught by Atkinson. His fifty, the first of his Test career, gave India a much-needed lift before lunch.
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Jaiswal Anchors India’s Second Innings
By lunch, India had built a 165-run lead. Jaiswal, unbeaten at the break, looked increasingly dominant. His elegant cover drives and well-timed pulls frustrated the English bowlers. Though battling cramps later in the session, he soldiered on, reaching his second hundred of the series with a powerful boundary off Atkinson.
His century came at a critical time for India, as wickets continued to fall around him. Karun Nair, who came in at No. 5, never looked fully comfortable. Despite a dropped catch on 12, he eventually fell for 17, caught by Smith off Atkinson after a delivery reared up sharply.
England Let Opportunities Slip
England had several chances to cut short India’s resistance but failed to capitalize. Five catches were dropped throughout the innings, mostly in the slips. Karun Nair was the beneficiary of one such miss when Zak Crawley’s attempted catch deflected into Harry Brook’s line of sight, and Brook couldn’t hold on.
The absence of a specialist spinner again hurt England. The decision to go into consecutive Tests without one drew criticism from fans and commentators. Overton and Atkinson bowled with intensity, but the lack of variation allowed Jaiswal to settle.
Atkinson Strikes Twice but India March On
Atkinson remained England’s most effective bowler. He not only dismissed Gill early but later returned to break the partnership between Jaiswal and Nair. His pace and bounce created problems throughout the day. However, with limited support from the other end and the fielders, England struggled to keep the pressure on.
India ended the session at 239-5, holding a solid 192-run lead. Ravindra Jadeja, batting alongside Jaiswal, had just arrived at the crease and looked to play a supporting role.
Jaiswal’s Fitness a Growing Concern
Towards the latter part of the session, Jaiswal showed signs of fatigue. After dispatching Atkinson through the covers for a boundary, he clutched at his leg in discomfort. The cramps, likely caused by heat and long hours at the crease, raised concerns about his ability to carry on.
Despite this, he remained focused, rotating the strike and letting Jadeja settle. His resilience could prove decisive as the match progresses into its final phases.
India’s Lead Continues to Grow
With a strong platform set, India now eyes a lead beyond 250. England must regroup quickly if they hope to stay in the contest. Their top order failed in the first innings, and the pressure will only mount if the target swells beyond reach.
As the day closed, the narrative was clear—Jaiswal’s century had tilted the game in India’s favor. His innings not only gave India control but also silenced questions about their ability to perform under pressure in English conditions.
If England cannot find answers soon, India may seal a memorable overseas series victory.
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