Aug 4, 2025: Harry Brook and Joe Root delivered commanding centuries before rain and fading light brought a premature end to Day 4 of the fifth Test, setting up a thrilling conclusion to the England-India series at The Oval.
At 1703 GMT, England had reached 339/6, still needing 35 runs to complete a record-setting 374-run fourth innings chase. India, on the other hand, require four more wickets to level the series 2-2.
England had started the day with a score of 106/3 after Ollie Pope, their stand-in captain, was fired. However, Yorkshire teammates Brook (111) and Root (105) restored England's momentum by combining for a remarkable 195 runs for the fourth wicket. However, the departure of Brook sparked a downturn that saw England lose three wickets for just 36 runs, including Root, who was caught behind off Prasidh Krishna shortly after scoring his 39th Test century. Jamie Smith (2*) and Jamie Overton (0*) were on the field when the bad light stopped play at 1630 GMT. A heavy downpour soon followed, ruling out any chance of resumption.
England set the Oval record for the most successful fourth-innings chase with a score of 263 in 1902. England, on the other hand, have a history of rewriting Test cricket rules under the brave leadership of Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum. They opened this series by gunning down 371 in a dramatic win at Headingley.
Brook’s innings was packed with intent. He hammered 27 runs in the space of eight balls at one stage and even lofted Akash Deep for a six despite overcast conditions aiding the pacers. He got through a big scare when Siraj caught a bad hook off Prasidh Krishna, but the fielder stepped on the boundary rope and turned it into a six. Shubman Gill, the captain of India, used spin late, in the 43rd over, but neither Washington Sundar nor Ravindra Jadeja were able to get the set batters out. Brook hit 12 fours and two sixes for his century in just 91 balls. His dramatic dismissal was caused by a big shot where the bat flew out of his hands and the ball was safely caught by Siraj at mid-off. Root reached his century with two boundaries off Siraj and batted with his trademark elegance. Throughout his innings, he appeared composed. However, he too fell shortly after, edging a flick to the keeper off Krishna.
India had begun to advance earlier in the day. Mohammed Siraj bowled Zak Crawley with the final ball of Day 3, and on Sunday, Prasidh Krishna got Duckett (54) to nick one to KL Rahul at second slip. With an in-seaming delivery, Siraj then struck again to eliminate Pope for 27. If the weather cooperates, the stage is set for a dramatic conclusion on the final day, with India needing just 35 more runs and four wickets to avoid a series draw. Highlights from Day 4 of the fifth Test between India and England: Harry Brook and Joe Root scored brilliant centuries before bad light and rain forced an early end to Day 4 of the fifth Test, putting the England vs. India series finale at The Oval in jeopardy. When play was stopped at 17:03 GMT, England were 339/6 and still needed 35 runs to win by a record of 374. In contrast, India needs four wickets to tie the five-match series 2-2. At 106/3 earlier in the day, England were in trouble due to the loss of Ollie Pope, their stand-in captain. However, Yorkshiremen Brook (111) and Root (105) turned the tide with a stunning 195-run stand for the fourth wicket, taking India out of the game before Brook's dismissal sparked a brief collapse in which England lost three wickets for just 36 runs. Root also succumbed shortly after achieving his 39th Test century, finishing 105 runs behind Prasidh Krishna. England had Jamie Smith (2*) and Jamie Overton (0*) at the crease when bad light stopped play at 1630 GMT. A downpour soon followed, making any resumption impossible. At The Oval, no team has ever attempted to win by more than 263 runs in the fourth innings, a record set by England in 1902. However, England's ultra-aggressive Test strategy has already rewritten standards since Stokes and McCullum assumed leadership in 2022. In June, they chased down 371 against India at Headingley to begin this series. Brook smashed 27 runs in just eight balls at one point, including a lofted six off Akash Deep under heavy overcast skies. His knock was full of flair. When Siraj caught him at fine leg off of Prasidh Krishna but stepped on the boundary rope, he also had a lucky break, turning a dismissal into six runs. Shubman Gill used spin until the 43rd over, but Washington Sundar and Ravindra Jadeja were unable to challenge the well-set Brook and Root. Brook hit 12 fours and two sixes for his second hundred of the series in 91 balls before being spectacularly run out when he lost his bat while trying to clear the boundary and was caught by Siraj at mid-off. Root, as calm and classy as ever, brought up his hundred with a straight drive off Siraj, reaching the milestone in 137 balls. But as soon as he flicked at Krishna and edged behind, his innings came to an end. Earlier, India resumed well — Siraj bowled Zak Crawley with the final ball of Day 3. Prasidh Krishna then dismissed Ben Duckett (54), who edged to KL Rahul, before Siraj trapped Pope lbw for 27.
All eyes are now on Monday's final day at The Oval, weather permitting, for what promises to be an exciting finish with 35 runs required and 4 wickets to take.