India began Day 3 of the final Test at The Oval on a promising note, with overnight batters Yashasvi Jaiswal and Akash Deep carrying forward their stand confidently. The duo added 30 runs in the opening seven overs without losing a wicket, building pressure on the hosts and frustrating their bowlers. Their composed approach hinted at a positive intent from the visitors, aiming to stretch the lead and regain control of the match.
Akash Deep, who had come in as a nightwatchman, showed surprising aggression early on. In just the third delivery of the day, he launched a big heave over long-on off Jacob Bethell, sending the ball soaring to the boundary. His comfort at the crease was evident as he found gaps and timed the ball well against both Gus Atkinson and Josh Tongue, making the most of his opportunity with the bat.
Yashasvi Jaiswal, meanwhile, played the role of a mentor during the stand. The young opener frequently walked down the pitch to talk to Akash, calming any nerves and offering guidance. Their camaraderie was evident, with Jaiswal ensuring his partner stayed focused. The communication between them was seamless, helping maintain momentum despite the testing conditions.
However, a momentary lapse in judgment nearly ended Akash’s innings prematurely. In the 26th over, he attempted a flamboyant cover drive off a good-length ball from Tongue, reminiscent of Virat Kohli’s style. The shot wasn’t timed well, and Zak Crawley at slip dropped a straightforward chance. Akash immediately knew he had erred and took a moment to correct his footwork with a shadow practice stroke.
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Jaiswal promptly walked over again, this time reminding Akash that the ball wasn’t quite full enough for that kind of shot. Akash listened intently, nodded in agreement, and hugged his partner, acknowledging the advice. The exchange reflected the mutual respect and growing bond between the two players, a heartening sight in a high-stakes match.