In the realm of cricket, there are centurions, and then there’s Yashasvi Jaiswal—a player who doesn’t just settle for centuries but consistently delivers remarkable innings. This was evident once again as the left-handed batsman notched up his second double-century in Test cricket during India’s third Test against England.
As the sun rose on day four of the riveting encounter, Jaiswal, aged 22, showcased his mastery with the bat, relentlessly pummeling the English bowlers. Batting in India’s second innings, he reached the monumental milestone of 200 runs off 231 balls, embellishing his innings with 14 boundaries and an impressive tally of 10 sixes—a testament to his audacious stroke play and unwavering determination.
However, amidst Jaiswal’s spectacular feat, there was a tale of near-miss glory for fellow teammate Shubman Gill. Falling just nine runs short of a century, Gill’s valiant effort saw him contribute significantly to India’s formidable total of 314-4 at lunch on day four. Despite the setback, India’s commanding lead of 440 runs over England underscored their dominance in the match.
The morning session witnessed a flurry of runs as the hosts resumed at 196-2, adding a formidable 118 runs in just 31 overs. Gill, in particular, showcased his prowess before an ill-fated attempt at a run led to his untimely dismissal.
Jaiswal, who had retired hurt the previous day due to back spasms after a stellar century, resumed his innings with grit and determination. Adding another 45 runs to his tally before the lunch break, he exemplified resilience in the face of adversity—a trait synonymous with the greats of the game.
Amidst Jaiswal’s heroics, Kuldeep Yadav’s wicket was the lone casualty for India in a session dominated by the home team. The left-arm spinner, who had stood in as a nightwatchman for Jaiswal, fell victim to Rehan Ahmed’s delivery, departing after a commendable contribution of 27 runs.
Reflecting on India’s performance in the match, it’s evident that their dominance extends beyond the batting crease. With a first-innings total of 445 runs, bolstered by centuries from Rohit Sharma and Ravindra Jadeja, followed by Mohammed Siraj’s impressive bowling figures of 4-84, India has firmly asserted their superiority over the English side.
The series, currently level at 1-1, has been a rollercoaster ride for both teams. With India clinching the second Test by 106 runs after England’s triumph in the opener, the stage is set for a thrilling conclusion as the battle for supremacy intensifies.
For Yashasvi Jaiswal, his meteoric rise in Test cricket has been nothing short of sensational. From a scintillating debut innings of 171 runs against the West Indies to his maiden double century against England, Jaiswal’s journey is a testament to his prodigious talent and unwavering resolve—a harbinger of many more milestones to come in the world of cricket.