The final day of the England–India Test series is set for a nerve-shredding climax after a fourth day of twists, brilliance, and late drama at The Oval.
England require just 35 more runs, while India need four wickets, after bad light and rain curtailed what had been a riveting evening session. For the fifth time in this enthralling series, the decider will go right down to the wire.
Table of Contents
Dominance Before Tea: Brook and Root Take Charge
England began the day with the daunting task of chasing 374 but were propelled towards the target by a masterclass in contrasting strokeplay from Harry Brook and Joe Root.
Brook’s 91-ball ton, his 10th in Test cricket, was a whirlwind display of controlled aggression. It also set the record for the fastest fourth-innings hundred ever scored against India, underlining the audacity of his approach. His knock included 14 crisp boundaries and two towering sixes, and could have ended much earlier when on 19 he miscued Prasidh Krishna to fine leg — only for Mohammed Siraj to step over the rope while completing the catch.
Root, in comparison, was the picture of composure, unfazed by India’s attempts to unsettle him. His 39th Test hundred, completed after Tea, was laced with trademark late cuts and on-drives, offering a masterclass in pacing a chase. Together, they piled on a 195-run partnership that flattened India’s bowlers during the afternoon session.
Turning of the Tide: Krishna Sparks a Fightback
For much of the day, the chase looked routine. England went to Tea needing just over 70 runs with eight wickets in hand. But the session after the break transformed the contest.
India’s quicks, visibly weary, summoned one final surge. Seventeen false shots in seven overs rattled England’s confidence, and Krishna delivered the breakthroughs India desperately needed.
First, Jacob Bethell, stuck on 5 from 30 balls, attempted an ill-judged charge and dragged on. In his next over, Krishna removed the well-set Root, who feathered a late cut straight to the keeper just after reaching his milestone. Prasidh Krishna also removed Ben Duckett in the morning, drawing the opener into chasing a full delivery outside off and edging to KL Rahul at slip.
The atmosphere at The Oval shifted instantly. Every play-and-miss drew gasps, every thud into the pad sparked a half-appeal. With overcast skies aiding movement, England suddenly looked vulnerable.
Brook’s Brilliance and the Crucial Error
Brook’s dismissal earlier in the day had given India a glimmer of hope. Having dominated with effortless drives and pulls, he attempted to take on Akash Deep by dancing down the track, only to slice to Siraj at cover. By that point, though, the damage was significant — the scoreboard pressure had been erased, and India were left clinging to late-order hopes.
Brook’s innings stood out not just for its tempo but for the way he adapted. After the reprieve off Krishna, he tempered his aggression without ever losing fluency, manipulating the field once Shubman Gill spread it wide. Unlike at Lord’s, where a risky sweep brought about his downfall, this was a more calculated knock.
Siraj’s Relentless Effort and Key Strikes
If India are still alive heading into day five, a large share of credit belongs to Mohammed Siraj. From the very first over, he hustled the batters with a nagging seam position and unrelenting pace.
Siraj’s big moment came when he dismissed Ollie Pope with perhaps the ball of the day — a wobble-seam delivery that jagged back sharply off the pitch to trap him plumb in front. That wicket was Siraj’s 20th of the series, cementing his status as the leading wicket-taker.
India’s Missed Opportunities
While Krishna and Siraj provided hope, India’s bowlers also let chances slip. Akash Deep, ineffective with the older ball, finally struck with Brook’s wicket but later failed to hold a simple return catch when Bethell miscued a pull. Small moments like these could prove decisive in a chase where every run matters.
Final-Day Equation: Lower-Order Nerves
The contest now hinges on England’s lower order. Jamie Smith and Jamie Overton weathered a tricky final period, though both endured anxious moments as the ball kept thudding into their pads.
A wildcard could be Chris Woakes. The all-rounder dislocated his shoulder earlier in the match and was spotted in whites with his arm in a sling. Whether he is risked may depend entirely on how the final wickets fall.
What to Expect on Day 5
If the last hour was any indication, day five promises yet another nerve-jangling finish in a series already packed with them. For England, the path is straightforward but fraught with the tension of a collapse. For India, the task is clear — find four wickets before the runs are wiped off.
Whatever happens, the finale will add another unforgettable chapter to a rivalry that has defined the summer.
Read More: Xavi Simons Forces Chelsea Move: Dutch Star Skips Training as Blues Close in on £70m Deal
FAQs
Who scored centuries for England on Day 4?
Harry Brook and Joe Root both reached three figures.
How many wickets does India need to win?
India require four more wickets.
How many runs are England away from victory?
England need 35 more runs.
Who is the leading wicket-taker in the series?
Mohammed Siraj leads with 20 wickets.
What is the highest partnership of the day?
Brook and Root added 195 runs for the fourth wicket.
