Oval: India mounted a spirited fightback in their second innings of the Oval Test, thanks to a stylish century from opener Yashasvi Jaiswal and a gritty knock by unexpected hero Akashdeep.
Jaiswal, composed yet commanding, brought up his century with elegance, anchoring India’s innings after early jitters. The young opener’s knock was the spine of India’s batting resurgence, as he calmly negotiated the English attack under overcast London skies.
The surprise package of the innings, however, was Akashdeep. Sent in as a nightwatchman after India’s top order crumbled late yesterday, the pacer turned into a resilient batter, scoring 66 off 94 deliveries. His innings, laced with boundaries and confidence, not only frustrated England but also gave India vital stability.
At the end of 50 overs, India stood strong at 209 for 3, with Jaiswal and Karun Nair holding the crease. The team recovered well after early setbacks that saw the dismissals of KL Rahul (7), debutant Sai Sudharsan (11), and captain Shubman Gill (1).
India began their second innings with a modest 23-run lead. England had earlier posted 247 in their first innings, only managing to stretch past India’s total due to middle-order resistance. However, stellar bowling from Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna each bagging four wickets kept the hosts in check and within reach.
As the Test enters a crucial phase, India’s second innings resilience led by Jaiswal and Akashdeep has not only brightened their chances but also set the stage for an intriguing finish at The Oval.