Yashasvi Jaiswal and Josh Tongue offered contrasting yet insightful assessments of the ongoing fifth Test at The Oval, where India have taken a dominant position going into Day 4. Jaiswal, who struck a commanding century, anchored India’s second innings with poise and aggression. His 118 off 164 balls showcased not just technical brilliance but also a clear understanding of the match situation. He emphasized after the innings that mindset and intent were key, especially on a surface that had something in it for the bowlers. Jaiswal’s partnership with nightwatchman Akash Deep, who surprised everyone with a brilliant 66, was pivotal in turning the tide firmly in India’s favor.
India declared after scoring 396 in their second innings, setting England a formidable target of 374. It wasn’t just Jaiswal and Deep who contributed—Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar also chipped in with crucial runs down the order. What helped India further was England’s poor fielding effort, dropping as many as six catches, their worst performance at home in nearly two decades. These lapses cost them significantly, both in terms of morale and scoreboard pressure.
On the English side, Josh Tongue emerged as a bright spot, claiming five wickets in the innings and matching India’s Mohammed Siraj in the series wickets tally. Tongue remained hopeful ahead of Day 4. He acknowledged the steep chase but backed England’s batting depth, stating that with the right partnerships and patience, the team could still make a match of it. He even joked that if the game came down to him, he’d “give it a good crack,” reflecting the team’s never-say-die attitude.
At stumps on Day 3, England were 50 for 1, with opener Ben Duckett unbeaten on 34. Zak Crawley was clean bowled by a sharp yorker from Siraj just before close of play, a blow that slightly dented England’s strong start. The match now hangs in a delicate balance. While India clearly hold the upper hand with a massive lead and favorable conditions, England will look to rely on their batting depth and resilience to mount a fightback.
As things stand, India is in control and pushing for a 3–1 series win, while England must deliver something special to salvage the Test and the series. The stage is set for a gripping Day 4 at The Ov
