Did Jaiswal's Century Make the Difference for Siraj?
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Synopsis
In a thrilling encounter at The Oval, Mohammed Kaif highlights Yashasvi Jaiswal's crucial century as a game-changer for India's victory over England. His performance not only set a competitive total but also provided the platform for Mohammed Siraj to shine with the ball. Discover how Jaiswal's calm approach led to India's remarkable win!
Key Takeaways
- Jaiswal's century was pivotal for India's total.
- Siraj's five-wicket haul was crucial in the final moments.
- India successfully leveled the series against England.
- The challenging pitch showcased Jaiswal's resilience.
- This match underscores the depth of talent in Indian cricket.
New Delhi, Aug 5 (NationPress) Former Indian cricketer Mohammed Kaif emphasized that alongside Mohammed Siraj, Yashasvi Jaiswal deserves equal recognition for India's dramatic victory at The Oval. He highlighted that had Jaiswal not achieved a century in the second innings, there wouldn't have been sufficient runs for Siraj to defend, potentially leading India to defeat.
Jaiswal, who kicked off the series with a commanding century at Headingley, concluded with a resilient 118 in the second innings of the crucial match at The Oval.
India's first innings was curtailed at 224, while England managed to score 247, taking a slim 23-run lead. After losing two early wickets in their second innings, Jaiswal rose to the occasion, forming a substantial 107-run partnership with Akash Deep (66) and contributing to additional partnerships worth 40 and 44 runs with Karun Nair and Ravindra Jadeja respectively, allowing India to post 396 in their second innings, setting England a target of 376 runs for victory.
On the final day of the Test, Siraj delivered a stunning five-wicket haul, leading India to a dramatic four-wicket burst on an edge-of-the-seat final morning at The Oval, securing a six-run victory over England and leveling the series.
In an exclusive interview with IANS, Kaif praised India's nail-biting win, stating, "Before Siraj, I must mention Jaiswal. Without his century, there wouldn't have been enough runs to defend. The match was close until the end because Jaiswal got out early in the first innings."
"Jaiswal plays aggressively, but in this innings, he was composed. He left balls, attacked early, and once settled, he took his time to play a prolonged innings.
"I believe Jaiswal deserves significant credit for this victory. Thanks to his century, India could approach 370-380 runs. Without those runs, Siraj wouldn’t have had enough to defend, and India could have lost this Test match," he added.
Jaiswal’s second innings at The Oval featured crisp drives and effective cut shots, scoring five boundaries—four of which came off Gus Atkinson. He was fortunate to survive a dropped catch on 20 by Harry Brook at second slip.
He later struck a six off Jamie Overton and another boundary off Josh Tongue to keep India in contention. Jaiswal benefitted again when substitute fielder Liam Dawson dropped an easy catch at long leg when he was on 40, eventually scoring 118 runs off 164 balls.
"Jaiswal excelled on a challenging pitch, the toughest in this series. The preceding matches featured flatter pitches favoring batters. However, at The Oval, bowlers had the upper hand. Given the substantial seam movement, Jaiswal demonstrated why he maintains an average of 50, showcasing the talent and capability of a big match player," Kaif remarked.
After India's exhilarating victory against England at The Oval, leveling the series 2-2, Gill & Co. ascended to third place in the ICC World Test Championship standings, securing 12 essential points. They now boast 28 points with a points percentage of 46.67.
Point of View
It's evident that Jaiswal's performance significantly impacted India's recent Test match against England. His century was crucial in establishing a defendable score, allowing Siraj to capitalize on the pressure. This victory not only boosts team morale but also highlights the growing talents in Indian cricket. We must continue to support and nurture these young players for future successes.
NationPress
08/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Jaiswal's performance crucial in the match?
Jaiswal's century provided India with a substantial total to defend, allowing Siraj to execute his bowling strategy effectively.
What was the outcome of the match?
India won by six runs, leveling the series 2-2 against England.
How did Siraj contribute to the win?
Siraj took five wickets, delivering a match-defining performance on the final day.
What impact does this win have on India's standings?
The victory propelled India into third place in the ICC World Test Championship, earning them 12 crucial points.
What was unique about the pitch at The Oval?
The pitch at The Oval was challenging for batters, with significant seam movement, making Jaiswal's innings even more impressive.
