The fifth and final Test of the series at the Oval finally ended, exhibiting a thrilling climax after rain and fading light halted play on the fourth day with the match hanging in the balance.
England, chasing a challenging 374-run target, finished at 339 for six, still 37 runs away from victory with the new ball due early on the fifth Day. India, having clawed back into the contest after being outplayed for large portions of the day, made an unforgettable come-back and recorded a six-run victory to level the series 2-2, thanks to the bowlers, especially Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna’s superb performance.
However, the afternoon on the fifth day belonged entirely to Joe Root and Harry Brook, whose blistering 195-run partnership looked to have taken the game away from India. Brook, batting with flair and aggression, hammered a 98-ball 111, while Root’s composed 105 was his third century of the series and 13th against India. At tea, England were cruising at 317 for four, needing just 57 runs.
But after tea, India’s pacers came roaring back. Prasidh Krishna struck twice — first uprooting Jacob Bethell and then removing Root caught behind — while Siraj’s effort ensured that Brook’s wicket before the interval wasn’t in vain. The old ball suddenly came to life, with carry and seam movement troubling the English batters. The scoreboard nearly stalled, with just 22 runs added in the final session before play was stopped again.
Earlier in the day, Siraj had set the tone with a fiery morning spell that helped reduce England to 164 for three by lunch. He trapped Ollie Pope lbw and tested Duckett with pace and movement. Prasidh Krishna also impressed, removing Duckett early and pushing Brook with smart changes in pace and line. India’s energy dipped in the middle session, as Brook’s attacking game and Root’s grace punished anything loose. Brook was handed a life when Siraj stepped on the boundary ropes after taking a catch at fine leg, a moment that seemed to break India’s spirit temporarily.
However, the final session flipped the narrative. With the pitch spicing up again and overcast skies looming, India’s bowlers found their rhythm. England will resume needing 37 more, but with only four wickets in hand and India eyeing the new ball, Day 5 promises a tense finish that could define the entire series.
