The last couple of weeks were challenging for Yashasvi Jaiswal. After starting the series on a high — he hit a century and an 87 in the first two Tests — Jaiswal struggled in the next six innings, scoring just 101 runs.

However, the young batter struck form at The Oval on Saturday as his century put India in command in the fifth and final Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy.

Jaiswal claimed that while he was mentally ready for the challenge, it was all about putting in that extra effort.

“I think it’s very important for all of us that we need to keep pushing ourselves. And this was our last innings here. So, mentally I was ready, and I had to keep pushing on and try to get as much as I could,” he said.

“Of course, after seeing the wicket in the first inning, I was thinking what would be the best option on this wicket? And I was just trying to play like that and be positive. My intent was very good, that I wanted to put pressure on the bowler — where they are going to bowl and where I can score runs. So my mentality is always like that. I think positively and go for my shots,” Jaiswal added.

It was Jaiswal’s sixth ton in Test cricket, and he enjoyed batting on a ‘spicy’ surface, and as he made the most of the reprieves and marched on, the southpaw also received a message from erstwhile India captain Rohit Sharma, who was in attendance on the third day.

“I saw Rohit bhai and I said hi to him. He gave me the message to keep playing,” he said.

Jaiswal also admitted that the surface played better after India opted for a heavy roller in the morning. However, by his own admission, ‘there is enough bounce’. “If we keep bowling in the channel, it will be amazing. There is always movement on the wicket. It’s not that easy to bat,” he said, hoping for the bowlers to come good in the second innings.

“Of course, we are quite confident. We just need to focus on our process and keep bowling in the right areas. That’s what we are thinking, and we will try our best. Of course, we are all enjoying ourselves here. We want this. We want fun. We want some battle in the middle,” he said, adding with a smile, “That is the fun. That’s why you play Test cricket…”