The fifth and final Test between India and England at the Oval is heading to a dramatic finish. After England seemed in full control during the fourth day, Team India made a late comeback with important wickets. The weather, however, did not cooperate, and rain and bad light ended play early, pushing the match into a fifth day.
At one point during the day, England looked all set to win. Joe Root and Harry Brook had formed a strong partnership, adding 195 runs together. Both players reached centuries, with Brook scoring a quick hundred in just 91 balls, while Root brought up his 39th Test century. Indian bowlers looked tired, and the match appeared to be slipping out of their hands.
However, things began to change after tea. Akash Deep removed Brook with a well-planned delivery. Then, fast bowler Prasidh Krishna took two crucial wickets, including the dismissal of Joe Root. Mohammed Siraj also contributed by getting rid of England’s stand-in captain Ollie Pope earlier in the day.
The Indian team suddenly found a spark. Their bowling was sharper, with several inswinging deliveries troubling England's batters. Although England still needs only 35 runs to win, they have only a few wickets in hand. Jamie Smith and Jamie Overton are at the crease, but the pressure is now on them.
Earlier in the day, Prasidh Krishna had given India a big breakthrough by dismissing Ben Duckett, who was batting overnight. Siraj followed it up with the wicket of Pope, making it India’s session in the morning. But a turning point came when Siraj caught Brook near the boundary, only to step on the rope, turning the dismissal into a six. Brook took advantage of the chance and went on to attack the bowlers aggressively.
The weather in London played a key role as bad light and heavy rain brought an early end to Day 4. England was just 35 runs away from winning when the umpires called stumps. It was disappointing for the hosts, who would have liked to finish the game quickly. However, this unexpected break gives India a chance to recover and plan for a strong finish.
The day had many ups and downs. After the strong start by India in the morning session, the Root-Brook partnership put them under pressure. Brook played fearlessly, hitting boundaries and keeping the scoreboard moving. At one point, he hit 16 runs in an over after the catch-six drama. Root, as always, was calm and steady, holding the innings together.
But the Indian bowlers never gave up. After tea, they came back with a clear plan — bowl full and target the stumps. Krishna’s late burst, especially the wicket of Root, shifted the balance again. Siraj supported him well, and suddenly, England found themselves in a tricky spot.
ALSO READ: India holds strategic cards as Trump’s rhetoric escalates
ALSO READ: Forensic clue cracks case: Inside the probe that linked guns to Pahalgam attack
The series has been tightly contested, and every match has gone to the fifth day. This final Test is no different. With only 35 runs to go and three or four wickets left, the game is wide open. India still has a slight chance if they can strike early on Day 5. On the other hand, England will hope for a clear morning to finish the job quickly.
This match could go down to the final hour, just like the previous four in the series. It has been a great contest between bat and ball, with individual brilliance from both sides. Root and Brook’s centuries, Krishna’s late wickets, and the unpredictable London weather have all combined to make this a thrilling Test match.
Whether England finishes it off or India pulls off a miracle will be seen on the final day. What is certain is that cricket fans are in for a tense and exciting finish at the Oval.
Copyright © © 2022 Copyright. All Rights Reserved with Arth Parkash