India's Yashasvi Jaiswal Hits Century, Leaves England Trailing by 281 Runs in the Fifth Test's Day 3 Session 2
In an exciting turn of events at The Oval, India has set a daunting target for England in the fourth innings of the fifth Test. With a score of 373 runs, England is now tasked with chasing down a record target, surpassing the current highest successful run chase of 366 runs at The Oval.
The Indian batting lineup showed resilience and determination, with Yashasvi Jaiswal and Akash Deep contributing significantly to the team's total. Jaiswal, who made his sixth hundred in challenging conditions, and Deep, who scored his maiden half-century, shared a 107-run stand, adding 114 runs to India's total since lunch.
Jaiswal, who was dropped twice on Friday and once more on day three, played a ramp off Jamie Overton that went for a boundary at some point during the session. His second hundred of the series came after being given another life. Deep, on the other hand, cleared his leg and dispatched left-arm spinner Jacob Bethell over mid-wicket for a boundary in the first over of the day. However, Deep did not hold against the fast bowlers, especially Gus Atkinson, and got out with a slog off him.
Shubman Gill, who ended the series with 754 runs, just 20 shy of Sunil Gavaskar's all-time record by an Indian, struck two sublime boundaries before falling to Gus Atkinson. The Indian dressing room applauded Akash Deep's stellar effort after he reached his fifty.
England, in their pursuit, have already dropped four catches. Zak Crawley dropped a regulation catch of Akash Deep at third slip off Josh Tongue. The surface of the pitch played a lot better than the first two days with the ball not seaming around that much.
It's worth noting that if England successfully chase this, it would not only be the highest successful chase at The Oval but also the second-highest successful run chase by England in Test history, behind their highest chase of 378 runs against India at Edgbaston in 2022. However, the outcome depends on the ongoing match situation.
India extended their lead to 281 runs at tea on day three, but it remains to be seen if England can rise to the challenge and break the record. The fifth and final Test in 2025 is shaping up to be an exciting conclusion to the series.
In the midst of an enthralling game at The Oval, multiple cricket players exhibit their skills in sports. Jaiswal and Deep, despite multiple dropped catches, showcase their resilience and determination, contributing significantly to India's record-breaking total of 373 runs.
