Yashasvi Jaiswal’s sublime century and a fiery late yorker from Mohammed Siraj handed India the edge over England on Day 3 of the decisive fifth Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy at The Oval. India ended the day firmly in command, setting England a daunting target of 374 and reducing them to 50/1 at stumps.
Jaiswal Leads the Charge with Sixth Test Century
Yashasvi Jaiswal's masterful 118 off 164 balls, laced with 14 boundaries and two sixes, was the cornerstone of India's aggressive second innings total of 396. This was his sixth Test ton, and second of the series — one made sweeter with his family watching from the stands.
The wicket was a little spicy, so it was fun. I expected conditions like this in England, so I was mentally prepared. Rohit bhai told me to keep batting long, and I’m glad I could do that.
Akash Deep’s Grit and Flair as Nightwatchman
Nightwatchman Akash Deep played well beyond expectations, smashing 66 off 81 balls with 12 boundaries to register his maiden Test fifty. He shared a crucial 107-run partnership with Jaiswal that dented England's morning plans.
Akash was dropped on 21 and made the most of his chance, finding boundaries at will before falling to Jamie Overton just before lunch. His spirited celebration — fist pump and pointing to the Indian crest — drew applause from the dressing room and even a rare smile from head coach Gautam Gambhir.
Jadeja and Sundar Add Late Flourish
After a brief middle-order wobble, Ravindra Jadeja (53) and Washington Sundar (53 off just 39 balls) provided the late impetus. Sundar, especially, cut loose with three sixes and five fours, reaching his half-century with a towering hit over mid-wicket.
It’s not just about big runs — the tempo we maintained was key.
Josh Tongue was the pick of England’s bowlers, claiming a five-wicket haul (5-125), while Gus Atkinson (3-127) and Jamie Overton (2-98) chipped in.
Siraj Strikes as England Begin Big Chase
Set a target of 374, England made a brisk start with Ben Duckett unbeaten on 34. Zak Crawley also looked settled until Siraj delivered a peach — a full inswinging yorker that shattered the stumps just before stumps.
That late wicket changes the complexion. We needed a breakthrough and now we carry momentum into Day 4.
Siraj now shares the top spot for most wickets in the series with Tongue.
India Eye Series Leveller
While India had faced a scare earlier in the day when Shubman Gill fell cheaply and Karun Nair failed to convert a start, Jaiswal's calm at one end ensured the innings didn’t lose direction. Support from Jadeja, Sundar, and Akash ensured the visitors built a formidable lead of 324 runs.
With England needing to produce a record-breaking chase to win the Test and take the series 3-1, Day 4 promises to be pivotal. India, buoyed by Siraj’s late strike, are aiming to level the series at 2-2.
Brief Scores: India: 224 & 396 in 88 overs (Jaiswal 118, Akash 66; Tongue 5-125) England: 247 & 50/1 in 13.5 overs (Duckett 34*, Siraj 1-11) England need 324 runs to win.
