During the high-stakes fifth Test between India and England at The Oval, a fiery exchange between Yashasvi Jaiswal and Ben Duckett added extra spice to the contest. As India pushed for a series-leveling victory, Jaiswal's attempt to get under Duckett's skin was caught on the stump mic, highlighting the intense pressure and mind games at play.
On the morning of Day 4, with England chasing a target of 374, Jaiswal, fielding close in, chirped at Duckett, questioning his defensive approach. "Come on, I want to see your shots. Play the sweep, reverse sweep. This is not your game," Jaiswal was heard saying. Duckett, who had previously been dismissed attempting a reverse sweep, retorted, "Why should I listen to you?". Shubman Gill also joined in, amplifying the verbal pressure on the English batter.
Duckett had employed the reverse sweep earlier in the match, with mixed success. He eventually fell to Akash Deep while attempting the same stroke. Knowing this, Jaiswal seemed intent on provoking Duckett into abandoning his cautious approach and playing more aggressively.
Just moments after the exchange, Duckett fell for 55, dismissed by Prasidh Krishna. Whether Jaiswal's words played a direct role in the dismissal is debatable, but the incident undoubtedly added to the tension and drama of the Test match. Some reports suggest Jaiswal's sledging directly contributed to Duckett's loss of wicket. The incident will likely be remembered as a standout moment from the series finale.
This wasn't the only instance of on-field chatter involving Jaiswal during the Test. On Day 3, England players, including captain Ollie Pope, Ben Duckett, and Zak Crawley, were seen exchanging words with Jaiswal after he paused play, appearing to struggle with cramp just before the lunch break. Umpire Ahsan Raza seemed unconvinced by Jaiswal's discomfort, interpreting it as a possible tactical move to run down the clock. This led to a discussion as the teams left the field, with the English players possibly questioning Jaiswal's intent.
The verbal exchange between Jaiswal and Duckett exemplifies the competitive spirit of Test cricket, where psychological tactics are often employed alongside skillful play. India's strategy of combining tight bowling with verbal pressure reflected their determination to level the series. The series had already seen another instance of players getting close, when Indian bowler Akash Deep put his arm around Ben Duckett after dismissing him earlier in the Test, a gesture that drew mixed reactions.
India's strong position in the match was built on Jaiswal's impressive form throughout the series, including a century in this innings, along with valuable contributions from Akash Deep, Jadeja, and Sundar. They set England a challenging target, and the pressure was further intensified by India's aggressive approach in the field. Ultimately, India were able to secure victory in the Test, drawing the series 2-2.
