India gave England a tall order of 374 runs on the third day of the fifth Test on Saturday after a resilient batting effort, with highlights from Yashasvi Jaiswal, Akash Deep, Ravindra Jadeja, and Washington Sundar.
Beginning the day at 75 for two, India were lifted by Jaiswal’s brilliant second century of the series. The young opener compiled 118 off 164 deliveries, hitting 14 boundaries and two sixes in an assured innings that anchored the top order.
More impetus was contributed by an unexpected source as debutant Akash Deep scored his first Test fifty, hitting a hard-hitting 66 from 94 balls that were adorned with 12 fours. His counterattacking innings contributed precious runs in the middle order.
All-rounder Ravindra Jadeja maintained his good patch of form with another impressive contribution. He scored his fifth fifty in the series, 53 off 77 balls, having previously notched a century in the last game.
Washington Sundar then added the finishing touches with a scorching 53 off mere 46 deliveries. His score contained four sixes and four fours, and he formed a 39-run partnership for the last wicket with Prasidh Krishna, taking India's second-innings score to 396.
India took a first-innings lead of 23, and with that effort, England now stand with an uphill task to chase 374 and win the match and the series. England, who are otherwise in the lead in the series at 2-1, will need to achieve a record chase in order to seal the deal.
Among the English bowlers, Josh Tongue was the best of the lot with 5 for 125, claiming his series' first five-wicket haul.
Match Summary:
India: 224 & 396 in 88 overs (Yashasvi Jaiswal 118, Akash Deep 66, Ravindra Jadeja 53, Washington Sundar 53; Josh Tongue 5/125)
England: 1st Innings 247
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