The fifth and final Test between England and India is heading for a blockbuster conclusion, with the hosts just 35 runs shy of a historic victory at The Oval—if the weather allows it.
On a dramatic fourth day, played out before a charged South London crowd, England finished on 339-6 in pursuit of a daunting target of 374. But just as the finish line came into view, dark clouds rolled in, bringing play to a premature end with less than an hour remaining.
Earlier, centuries from Harry Brook (111) and Joe Root (105) had put England firmly in control, guiding them from a precarious 115-3 into a dominant position. The pair added 176 runs in a brilliant fourth-wicket stand, seemingly steering England to a comfortable series-clinching win.
But India had other ideas.
Akash Deep removed Brook in bizarre fashion—his bat flying out of his hands mid-shot as he skewed one to mid-off. Jacob Bethell soon followed, bowled attempting an unwise slog, before Root edged behind off Siraj to set up a tense finale.
With England six down and still 37 runs short, the pressure fell to Jamie Overton and Jamie Smith—both playing at their home ground—and potentially Chris Woakes, who’s been nursing a suspected dislocated shoulder since day one.
Indian quicks Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna kept England on edge with a spell of probing seam bowling that dried up the runs. Overton survived a narrow DRS call for a faint edge before the umpires called for bad light—and then came the rain.
Now, all eyes turn to Monday’s final day. England are on the cusp of sealing a 3-1 series win, while India need four wickets to level the series 2-2. One way or another, the summer’s final act promises high drama.
Fifth Test – Day 4 Summary
Venue: The Kia Oval, London
India
1st innings: 224 (Nair 57; Atkinson 5-33, Tongue 3-57)
2nd innings: 396 (Jaiswal 118; Tongue 5-125)
England
1st innings: 247 (Crawley 64; Krishna 4-62, Siraj 4-86)
2nd innings: 339-6 (Brook 111, Root 105)
England need 35 runs to win | India need 4 wickets