England vs India, 5th Test: Yashasvi Jaiswal Reaches Sixth Century; Surpasses Sachin Tendulkar's Record
In an outstanding display of red-ball cricket, Yashasvi Jaiswal scored his sixth Test century against England on Day 3 of the fifth Test at The Oval. This century was Jaiswal's second of the series, eclipsing Sachin Tendulkar's long-standing record of eight 50-plus scores against England by an Indian before turning 24.
Jaiswal's batting has been a revelation this series, demonstrating remarkable consistency. In comparison to Tendulkar, Jaiswal has nine 50-plus scores in 19 innings versus England, a testament to his skills and determination.
The young batsman's performance in this series includes his recent second century, helping India set a record for the most individual centuries in a single Test series by India (12 centuries). This surpasses Tendulkar’s records by number of 50-plus scores within the same opposition context.
Jaiswal's partnership with Akash Deep, who scored a counterattacking 66 off 94 balls, formed a pivotal 107-run third-wicket stand. However, Deep was dismissed by Gus Atkinson in the match, while Shubman Gill was trapped LBW by the same bowler in the third session.
Gill, despite missing out on Sunil Gavaskar's record for most runs by an Indian in a single Test series, finished the series with 754 runs in 10 innings. His performance, along with Jaiswal's, added another dimension to an Indian top order that has flourished in this series.
England's bowling unit missed the likes of Ben Stokes, Jofra Archer, and Chris Woakes, which may have affected their performance against the resilient Indian batting lineup. Zak Crawley dropped Deep on 21 off Josh Tongue's bowling, a missed opportunity that could have potentially changed the course of the match.
As Jaiswal continues to impress in Test cricket, he marks himself as one of India's most consistent red-ball batsmen against England. His maiden Test fifty off 70 balls before being dismissed, and his second century of the series, are clear indications of his potential and dedication to the game.
In the realm of cricket, Jaiswal's exceptional performance extends beyond the crease, showcasing not only his mastery in red-ball cricket but also his commitment to education, as he diligently balances his cricket career with academic pursuits. In his spare time, he actively participates in a local sports club's football team, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle alongside his passion for cricket.
