Yashasvi Jaiswal's century has put India in a strong position in the fifth and final Test against England at The Oval, and the young opener is confident that his team can prevent England from achieving a series-winning chase. The 23-year-old Jaiswal struck his fourth Test century against England, and his sixth overall, on Day 3, helping India set a daunting target of 374 runs.
Jaiswal's innings of 118 was crucial in India's second innings total of 396. He shared a 107-run partnership with nightwatchman Akash Deep, who contributed a career-best 66. Useful contributions also came from Ravindra Jadeja (53) and Washington Sundar (53 off 46), who added quick runs towards the end of the innings.
Despite being dropped three times during his innings, Jaiswal remained focused and anchored the innings. He celebrated his century with a leap, run, and a heart-shaped gesture with his fingers. Speaking after the day's play, Jaiswal said he was enjoying batting on the "spicy wicket" and knew which shots to play. He emphasized his intent to be positive and fight, and expressed a desire to make his innings even bigger.
At stumps on Day 3, England were 50-1, requiring another 324 runs for victory. Mohammed Siraj gave India a late boost by dismissing Zak Crawley with a yorker on the last ball of the day.
Jaiswal believes that the wicket has movement and will not be easy to bat on, expressing confidence in India's chances of winning the Test. If India succeeds in defending the total, Jaiswal's innings could be remembered as the defining knock that helped India draw the series 2-2.
Jaiswal's century was not just a personal achievement; it also contributed to a historic milestone for Indian cricket. The team has now equaled the record for the most centuries scored by a team in a single Test series. Indian batters have scored 12 centuries in the series, surpassing the previous record of 11 centuries in a series against the West Indies in 1978. Five Indian batters – Shubman Gill, Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant and Ravindra Jadeja – have crossed the 400-run mark in this series, highlighting India's batting depth.
England has been known for chasing down large totals since Brendon McCullum took over as head coach in 2022, but Jaiswal is confident that India can "spoil England bid for series-winning chase".
