Yashasvi Jaiswal Hits Century, Karun Nair and Akash Deep Shine as India Holds Strong on Day 3
The Oval, London – India maintained their composure and continued their gritty fightback against England on Day 3 of the fifth Test match at The Oval in the ICC World Test Championship 2025. The highlight of the day was Yashasvi Jaiswal's majestic century, supported by Karun Nair’s composed innings and Akash Deep’s surprising counter-attack with the bat.
Jaiswal Reaches Another Test Milestone
Yashasvi Jaiswal continued his dream run in red-ball cricket by notching up another century, his 5th in Tests. Starting the day on 51*, Jaiswal displayed maturity and elegance, punishing loose deliveries and defending with composure. His cover drives and backfoot punches stood out as he controlled the pace of the game against England’s formidable pace attack.
He brought up his hundred in 204 balls with a powerful cut shot off James Anderson, celebrating with his trademark leap and looking skywards in gratitude. This century not only stabilised India's innings but also frustrated the English bowlers who toiled hard on a surface offering some assistance.
Karun Nair Makes His Presence Felt
Making a return to the Indian Test side after a considerable hiatus, Karun Nair played a determined knock that reminded everyone of his triple century in 2016. Today, he walked in at a tricky stage after the dismissal of Shubman Gill (who departed for 11), and built a crucial partnership with Jaiswal.
Karun stayed resilient against Anderson and Woakes, taking body blows but not flinching. His 63-run knock, laden with crisp boundaries and intelligent rotation of strike, was vital in anchoring the middle overs. He eventually fell to Rehan Ahmed, trying to up the tempo, but by then he had made a strong case for himself in the Indian setup again.
Akash Deep's Surprise with the Bat
Primarily known for his fast bowling, Akash Deep surprised fans and experts with a composed innings. Coming in after KS Bharat fell cheaply, Akash took on the challenge of supporting Jaiswal, forming an 85-run partnership that pushed India’s lead closer to 150 runs by Tea.
With the English bowlers tiring, Akash played smartly—leaving balls outside off, defending solidly, and punishing anything short. He reached his maiden Test fifty in 78 balls and remained unbeaten at stumps, displaying his all-round potential. His knock could prove to be game-changing as India look to take control of the match.
Score Summary
- India 1st Innings: 312/6 at Tea, Day 3
- Jaiswal: 112* (237 balls)
- Karun Nair: 63 (145 balls)
- Akash Deep: 51* (81 balls)
- Shubman Gill: 11 (LBW, Woakes)
England Bowlers Toil Hard
Despite occasional breakthroughs, England's bowlers found it tough to break through the Indian resistance. Chris Woakes was the pick of the bowlers, taking 2 wickets, while Anderson and Rehan Ahmed chipped in with one each. Mark Wood bowled with pace but without much success.
Captain Ben Stokes tried various field placements and bowling combinations, but Jaiswal’s temperament and the resilience from the lower middle order kept England at bay.
Key Moments
- Jaiswal's 100 came with a stunning boundary off Anderson.
- Karun Nair’s 100-ball partnership with Jaiswal steadied the innings.
- Akash Deep’s fifty gave India crucial momentum heading into the final session.
Day 4 Outlook
With India now holding a slender lead and four wickets in hand, the morning session on Day 4 will be crucial. If Jaiswal and Akash Deep can extend the partnership past 400, it will put England under immense pressure on a deteriorating pitch.
India’s bowling attack, featuring the likes of Bumrah, Ashwin, and Akash Deep himself, will look to exploit the conditions to push for a series-clinching win.
Conclusion
Day 3 at The Oval belonged to India. Yashasvi Jaiswal’s century, Karun Nair’s comeback fifty, and Akash Deep’s unexpected heroics with the bat have swung the momentum firmly in India's favour. With two more days to go and a result likely, all eyes will now be on how England responds to this spirited Indian performance.
Stay tuned for more live updates and in-depth coverage as the drama unfolds at The Oval!
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