India Take Command as Jaiswal's Hundred Paces The Scramble on Day 3 at The Oval

India asserted a firm command on the third day of the fifth and last Test against England at The Oval. The visiting side showed a determined performance with the bat after an early few hiccups in their second innings. Yashasvi Jaiswal was the standout performer as he finished his sixth Test century and his second of the series. His spectacular knock post-lunch helped India take their total lead well past 240 runs. India totaled 271 runs for the loss of five wickets in 63 overs by the afternoon session and were 248 runs ahead of England.

High-intensity play opened the morning session. Nightwatchman Akash Deep stunned everyone with his attacking performance. The lower-order batter continued to hit 66 runs with the support of 12 boundaries. It was his first Test fifty and arrived at a critical moment when India required stability. His innings provided India with a solid beginning to the day. Akash Deep's contribution established the tone for the remaining innings and relieved pressure on the big batters. He batted freely and authoritatively and ensured England's bowlers stayed under pressure in the first session.

But the momentum suffered a temporary setback soon after lunch break. India skipper Shubman Gill was dismissed on the first ball of the session by pacer Gus Atkinson. It was a significant setback since Gill was on the verge of surpassing Sunil Gavaskar's record for the most runs scored in one Test series by an Indian batsman. His fall shocked the spectators since he was well set before the interval. Atkinson's delivery caught Gill off guard and he lost his wicket when the team needed him to continue.

Karun Nair too was unable to do much as he too was sent back by Atkinson. His comeback into the team had generated some interest but he was unable to leave an indelible mark. These rapid wickets pulled England back into the match for a while. But Jaiswal and Ravindra Jadeja stabilized matters again. The two put together a useful middle-order partnership. Jaiswal kept batting with concentration and composure and Jadeja chipped in at the other end.

Jaiswal's hundred was the pick of the day. The young opener was in total command and played the ball to perfection throughout the innings. This hundred contributed to his increasing reputation as one of India's most talented batters in red-ball cricket. It was his sixth Test century and second in the series alone. His consistency as an opening batsman has provided India with the platform to counter-attack and overwhelm sessions. He has been one of the most reliable players in this series and again came into his own in this match.

England's fielding was a cause of concern as they dropped up to five catches during the day. These missed chances affected their attempts at controlling the game. Jaiswal himself was helped by a dropped catch early in the innings that enabled him to settle and score freely. England's poor catching enabled India to continue constructing their innings without any pressure. These fielding errors may come back to haunt England as the game progresses into its latter stages.

India realizes that this Test is a game which needs to be won by them if they are to make the five-match series equal. England presently dominates the series and a draw or loss here would result in India losing the series. That is why each session and each run assumes immense significance. The side has demonstrated aggressive intent with the bat on Day 3 and their increasing lead has set them up in a position where they can aim for a win.

The conditions at The Oval have been good to bat so far. The pitch has given some assistance to the pacers but generally has been flat. Indian batsmen utilised these conditions and tried to score big in partnerships at each stage. England bowlers attempted to push through but lack of support from the fielders made things tough. Gus Atkinson was the best bowler with two crucial wickets but lacked support from the rest out in the field.

At the end of the lunch session, India seemed to be firmly in control. Jaiswal was still not out and Jadeja kept supporting him well from the other side. The scoreboard pressure was rising on England as India's advantage increased above 245. The match is progressing to a phase where India will surely try to go hard and push England hard in the fourth innings. With series on stake India will surely go all out for the victory.

This Test match has already witnessed quite a few notable moments with bat and ball and the third day was India's courtesy the brilliance of Jaiswal and the fighting abilities of the likes of Akash Deep. The century of Jaiswal and the aggressive beginning from the lower order provided India the upper hand. If they bat deep into Day 3 and till early Day 4 India might leave a target on the board which would be extremely challenging for England to chase.

India's batting depth and England's fielding mistakes have been the center of attention. Shubman Gill's fall was a loss but it never halted India's march forward as Jaiswal took over and continued to rotate the strike. Indian camp will be satisfied with the lead and the dominance they have gained. The ultimate result of this Test will hinge upon how England react in their second innings. But at present India appear determined to sign off on a high note and even the series with a good show.