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Jaiswal’s Century and Lower-Order Firepower Set Stage for Thrilling Oval Finale
India Set England 374-Run Target After Lower-Order Fireworks at The Oval
A composed century by Yashasvi Jaiswal, coupled with gritty half-centuries from Akash Deep, Ravindra Jadeja, and Washington Sundar, propelled India to a commanding second-innings total of 396, setting England a target of 374 in the final Test of the series at The Oval.
Despite a similar chase being completed earlier in the series, England approached the fourth innings more cautiously. Openers Ben Duckett and Zak Crawley brought up a steady 50-run stand in 13 overs. But just before stumps on Day 3, Mohammed Siraj provided a crucial breakthrough, dismissing Crawley with a surprise yorker that breached his defence.
Jaiswal Anchors, Akash Surprises With Bat
India’s overnight batters ensured a strong platform. Jaiswal, who resumed on 56, converted it into a composed 118 — his second hundred of the series and fourth against England. Nightwatchman Akash Deep impressed with a career-best 66, reaching milestones including:
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His maiden Test fifty
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His best first-class score
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First Indian nightwatchman to hit a Test fifty since 2011 (Amit Mishra at The Oval)
Akash and Jaiswal stitched a 107-run partnership that helped India dominate the morning session, adding 114 runs in just 23 overs.
England Fight Back But Fail to Capitalize
The second session saw a momentum shift as England’s seamers struck back. Gus Atkinson dismissed Shubman Gill with the very first ball, ending his hopes of surpassing Sunil Gavaskar’s record tally of 774 runs in a Test series.
Karun Nair failed to settle and was dismissed cheaply, while Jaiswal fell trying to upper-cut off Josh Tongue. Despite only nine overs of spin, England’s quicks were made to bowl long, energy-draining spells.
Jadeja and Washington Continue India’s Surge
Ravindra Jadeja, consistent as ever in second innings, survived a close LBW via DRS and went on to complete his third fifty of the series. His final second-innings average of 315 now ranks second in Indian Test history after Gavaskar’s 468 in 1971.
Washington Sundar provided a late counter-attack, smashing a 39-ball fifty with audacious pulls and hooks. He eventually fell for 53, gifting Josh Tongue his second Test five-for (5/125).
England’s Fielding Woes Continue
Fielding lapses hurt England significantly. Zak Crawley dropped Akash early and missed another chance off Karun, as England registered six drops in the innings — a costly display in a high-stakes encounter.
What’s Ahead on Day 4?
With 323 runs still to chase and nine wickets in hand, England face a tall task. India will sense a golden opportunity to level the series — provided they can avoid being outplayed on a Day 4 Oval track that still offers enough bite for the bowlers.
Brief Scores
India: 224 & 396
(Yashasvi Jaiswal 118, Akash Deep 66, Washington Sundar 53, Ravindra Jadeja 53; Josh Tongue 5-125)
England: 247 & 50/1 (Ben Duckett 34*, Zak Crawley 17; Mohammed Siraj 1-11)
India lead by 323 runs
