Mumbai: Indian cricket’s rising star Yashasvi Jaiswal set the iconic Oval Cricket Ground ablaze on Saturday with a scintillating century in India’s second innings during the fifth Test against England. The 23-year-old opener’s 127-ball knock, studded with 11 fours and two towering sixes, was a spectacle of grit and flair, cheered on by his proud family in the stands. This ton, his sixth in Test cricket and fourth against England, propelled India to a commanding position in the series-deciding match.
Jaiswal’s journey in this Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy has been nothing short of sensational. His latest hundred, scored on Day 3 of the Oval Test, marked a triumphant return after a disappointing two-run outing in India’s first innings. The left-hander’s composure and attacking strokeplay not only silenced doubters but also cemented his reputation as one of India’s most dependable openers. This century follows his 101-run masterclass in the first Test at Leeds, alongside gritty half-centuries of 87 at Edgbaston and 58 at Manchester, showcasing his consistency against a formidable English bowling attack.
The young southpaw’s heroics at the Oval were particularly special, with his family witnessing his brilliance from the stands. Their presence added an emotional layer to his performance, as Jaiswal dedicated his knock to them, celebrating with a heartfelt gesture towards the pavilion. Despite being dismissed for ducks twice in this series, Jaiswal’s ability to bounce back with match-defining contributions underlines his mental fortitude and hunger for runs.
Jaiswal’s dominance over England is unrivalled. Of his six Test centuries, four have come against the English, with the others against Australia and the West Indies. His Oval ton further solidified his remarkable record against the hosts, having already surpassed Indian legends Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli to become the joint-fastest Indian to 2,000 Test runs, alongside Rahul Dravid and Virender Sehwag, in just his 40th innings during the Edgbaston Test. This milestone, achieved at the tender age of 23 years and 188 days, makes him the second-youngest Indian to reach 2,000 Test runs, trailing only Tendulkar.
From his humble beginnings in Uttar Pradesh to selling pani puri in Mumbai to fund his cricketing dreams, Jaiswal’s rise is a story of resilience. His fearless batting, honed under the guidance of coach Jwala Singh, has made him a cornerstone of India’s Test setup. With 2,091 runs in 24 Tests at an average of 49, Jaiswal’s numbers speak volumes, boasting 256 fours and 41 sixes, according to ESPNcricinfo.
As India builds a substantial lead at the Oval, Jaiswal’s century has set the stage for a thrilling finish. His ability to deliver under pressure, especially in front of his loved ones, has endeared him to fans and teammates alike. With the series on the line, the young opener’s fiery knock has given India a strong foothold, leaving England with a daunting chase ahead.