IND vs ENG 5th Test: On-field drama peaks as Yashasvi Jaiswal clashes with Ben Duckett and earlier with Ollie Pope

Tensions are running high at The Oval as India intensifies their efforts to level the Test series, and the competitive spirit has started to flare on the field. On the morning of Day 4, Yashasvi Jaiswal was seen engaging in a verbal exchange with Ben Duckett, teasing him about toning down his usual aggressive batting style. Jaiswal reportedly said while fielding close-in, “Come on, I want to see your shots. Play the sweep, reverse sweep. This is not your game.”

Duckett didn’t back down and fired back, “Why should I listen to you?” Soon after, Shubman Gill also got involved, making it evident that the Indian side intended to maintain pressure with both their bowling attack and sledging.

Duckett had previously relied heavily on reverse sweeps in the first innings—managing some success—until Akash Deep dismissed him while he attempted one again.


These psychological tactics are heightening the drama as England chase a stiff target of 374 for victory. At stumps on Day 3, they were 50 for 1, having lost Zak Crawley to a pinpoint yorker from Mohammed Siraj on the last delivery of the day. Duckett, who resumed Day 4 on 34 not out, reached 55 before being removed by Prasidh Krishna.

India’s commanding position was anchored by another superb century from Jaiswal, who made 118, with crucial half-centuries coming from Akash Deep, Ravindra Jadeja, and Washington Sundar. The visitors posted a total of 396 in their second innings, leaving England with a daunting task over the final two days—to either chase the total down or bat it out for a draw.

Earlier in the day, just as the players headed in for the lunch break, tensions flared as Zak Crawley and Ollie Pope engaged in a heated exchange with Yashasvi Jaiswal. The moment unfolded after Crawley, who appeared to be limping in the final over—possibly attempting to run down the clock—provoked visible irritation from the England camp.

Crawley, in particular, looked especially animated, continuing a pattern of verbal spats that began during the Third Test, where he and Shubman Gill had also exchanged words on the field.

[With TOI inputs]