England pacer Josh Tongue maintained a composed outlook on his team’s prospects of chasing 374 runs in the final Test at The Oval, even as Yashasvi Jaiswal’s century and Akash Deep’s gritty nightwatchman fifty swung momentum firmly towards India. Tongue described the camp as “pretty chilled,” invoking England’s successful 371-run chase earlier in the tour as proof that the target remains within reach.
Tongue’s calm confidence reflects a team ethos that has embraced high-pressure fourth-innings scenarios under the current regime. With England resuming at 50/1 and still requiring 324 runs, the weight of history and conditions loom large, but Tongue emphasized belief over panic. His own contributions with the ball, including a five-wicket haul in India’s second innings, showcased the all-out approach England must adopt if they are to overturn India’s commanding position.
For India, the momentum shift was engineered by two standout performances. Yashasvi Jaiswal’s composed 118 anchored the innings, blending patience with well-timed aggression to blunt England’s seamers on a responsive pitch. His ability to bat long under overcast skies has become a hallmark of his rapid rise in Test cricket. Equally significant was Akash Deep’s unexpected 66 as a nightwatchman. Sent in to protect the top order late on Day 2, Deep not only survived but counterattacked, stitching together a century partnership with Jaiswal that frustrated England’s plans and expanded India’s lead at a crucial stage.
The psychological impact of Deep’s innings cannot be overstated. As a lower-order batter turning a defensive role into a match-shaping contribution, his knock provided India with runs they were not counting on and drained England’s energy. It also gave the Indian dressing room a visible lift, signaling depth and resilience across the order.
Adding to the drama are the conditions at The Oval. The pitch has offered consistent movement under heavy cloud cover, with damp patches and intermittent rain making batting a test of concentration. For England, every restart after a delay resets the challenge, while India’s bowlers have been able to exploit freshness in both ball and surface after each interruption. The variable bounce and seam have meant no batter feels entirely settled for long, emphasizing the need for discipline over flamboyance in the chase.
Despite the scoreboard pressure, England’s relaxed demeanor mirrors their commitment to positive cricket. Tongue’s assertion of calmness highlights their intent to approach the target without fear, relying on a deep batting lineup and the memory of recent chases. Yet, the size of the target combined with India’s bowling strength suggests the margin for error is minimal.
As the match heads into its final phase, the narrative is set: England balancing belief against a steep climb, and India holding momentum built on grit and execution. With Jaiswal and Deep having delivered defining contributions, the stage is now for India’s bowlers and England’s batters to script the finale. Whether Tongue’s “pretty chilled” confidence translates into history or India seals control will determine how this gripping series concludes.