What started as an on-field spat between India pacer Prasidh Krishna and England’s Joe Root seems to have mellowed by Day 4 of the fifth Test at The Oval. The two players, who exchanged heated words during the first innings, appeared to put their differences aside during England’s second innings on Sunday.
As Root walked in to bat following the dismissal of Ben Duckett, he managed a quick single off his first ball. Interestingly, instead of tension, there was a smile. Prasidh and Root exchanged a few friendly words, with the Indian fast bowler smiling as he walked back to his mark—signaling perhaps that the heat of the moment had cooled.
Akash Deep’s Stunning Knock Rescues India
Earlier in the day, India’s tail showed unexpected resilience with Akash Deep stealing the spotlight. The pacer scored a gutsy 66, decorated with 12 boundaries, forming a crucial 107-run stand with Yashasvi Jaiswal for the third wicket.
Former India batter and coach Sanjay Bangar praised Akash’s temperament and technique during the knock.
“Akash Deep took his chances early on but then played very thoughtfully. He’s shown before that he can bat—like in the Brisbane Test—and he proved it again,” Bangar said on JioHotstar.
“He wasn’t afraid of the short ball, rotated the strike smartly, and showed great running between the wickets. Credit also to Jaiswal for anchoring that partnership and keeping Akash focused.”
Jaiswal Leads the Charge; Jadeja and Sundar Add Firepower
Yashasvi Jaiswal continued his rich vein of form with a fluent 118, anchoring India’s innings alongside valuable contributions from Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar—both of whom registered gritty half-centuries. Their combined efforts powered India to a competitive total of 396, setting England a steep target of 374.
Siraj Strikes Before Stumps
England ended Day 3 at 50 for 1, with India gaining the upper hand thanks to a late strike by Mohammed Siraj. The Indian pacer produced a toe-crushing yorker to dismiss Zak Crawley just before stumps, handing the visitors a crucial advantage heading into the fourth day of this riveting series finale.
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