London, Aug 2 (UNI) India rode on a resilient century by Yashasvi Jaiswal and a surprise half-century by nightwatchman Akash Deep to take firm control of the fifth and final Test against England at The Oval.
At tea on Day 3, India were 304 for 6 in 71 overs, building a commanding reply to England’s first-innings total and tightening their grip on the match.
Resuming at 75/2, India saw Jaiswal and Akash Deep stitch together a crucial 102-run stand for the third wicket in the morning session. The pair frustrated England’s bowlers with a mix of grit and flamboyance, steering the visitors to 189/3 at lunch in 44 overs. Jaiswal was unbeaten on 85, while skipper Shubman Gill was on 11.
Akash Deep, primarily selected for his bowling, surprised everyone with the bat. He reached his maiden Test fifty off 70 balls, an innings laced with 12 boundaries. From elegant glances to aggressive pulls and lucky edges, the right-hander grew in confidence with each over. His shot selection and temperament belied his inexperience, and he was cheered on from the balcony by Gill, Jadeja, and even a smiling Gautam Gambhir.
Jaiswal, resuming on 51, continued his majestic form. He brought up his century off 127 balls with 11 fours and two sixes, reaching the milestone soon after lunch as India crossed 200 in 47.5 overs.
The 100-run stand was broken when Akash Deep was dismissed for a brilliant 66 off 94 balls, caught at point by Atkinson off Overton. His wicket fell at 177, but the Indian momentum didn’t falter.
Post-lunch, India crossed 250 in 57.4 overs despite losing wickets. Shubman Gill’s brief stay ended immediately after lunch on 11, when he was adjudged LBW on review to Dharmasena’s decision off a delivery that nipped in sharply. Karun Nair also departed cheaply before Ravindra Jadeja added a steady 6-run start. At drinks, India were 246/5 in 57 overs with Jaiswal on 109 and Jadeja on 6.
Jaiswal continued to flourish but eventually fell soon after, bringing an end to his magnificent knock. India, however, maintained their grip on the innings, reaching 300 in 70.4 overs with 23 extras contributing to the tally.
Jadeja (26 not out) and Dhruv Jurel (25 not out) ensured there were no further hiccups before tea, steering India to 304/6 in 71 overs. The sixth-wicket pair’s composure under pressure pushed England further on the backfoot in this must-win contest.
With Jaiswal’s century, Akash Deep’s heroics, and a healthy total on the board, India are now in a commanding position as the match heads into its final phases.
