Yashasvi Jaiswal's magnificent century on Day 3 of the final Test at The Oval has firmly placed India in a commanding position against England, setting them a formidable target to win the match and level the series. India's second innings total of 396 has presented England with a target of 374, a chase that would be the highest ever achieved at this historic venue. The highest successful run chase at The Oval is 263 runs by England against Australia in 1902.
India's dominance on the third day was built upon valuable contributions from the entire batting lineup. Nightwatchman Akash Deep played a crucial role, scoring a career-best 66, marking his maiden Test half-century. Together with Jaiswal, they forged a crucial 107-run partnership for the third wicket. Jaiswal, who was dropped multiple times during his innings, made England pay dearly, converting his chances into a brilliant 118 off 164 balls, his sixth Test century. This was Jaiswal's second century of the series, having also scored a ton in the first Test at Headingley.
The rest of the Indian batting order also chipped in with valuable runs. Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar both scored half-centuries, contributing 53 runs each. Dhruv Jurel added a useful 34, further bolstering India's total. Josh Tongue was the pick of the English bowlers, taking 5 wickets for 125 runs.
England's chase got off to a shaky start, as Mohammed Siraj bowled Zak Crawley with a cracking inswinging yorker for 14 right before the close of play. England ended the day at 50/1 in 13.5 overs, still needing 324 runs to win and clinch the series 3-1. Ben Duckett was unbeaten on 34 at stumps.
Earlier in the day, India captain Shubman Gill crossed the 6000-run mark in international cricket. However, he fell cheaply for 11. Jaiswal's century came after a lean patch in the previous two innings. He started the series with a century in the first innings at Leeds and is now finishing it with another century in the second innings of the Oval Test.
The match is intriguingly poised, with India needing 9 wickets to level the series and England needing 324 runs to win the match and take the series. The highest successful run chase at the Oval is 263 runs by England against Australia in 1902. Since 2000, it is 219 runs by Sri Lanka.
