The fifth and final Test between India and England at The Oval has perfectly encapsulated the tone of this extraordinary series: unpredictable, gritty, and endlessly dramatic. As we head into Day 25 of this Test series, the outcome remains undecided, with England needing just 35 more runs to seal the series 3-1, and India desperate for four wickets to claw it back to a 2-2 draw.
But that potential 3-1 scoreline? It would barely tell you how close this series has really been. India could, and arguably should, have won at Headingley and Lord’s. England were on the ropes in Old Trafford. And at The Oval, India had a real chance to close the match on Day 4, but then an England comeback, followed by bad light and rain has dragged this into an epic fifth day finish.
Brook and Root’s Game-Changing Partnership
Chasing a daunting target of 374, England found unlikely momentum through a spectacular 195-run stand between Harry Brook and Joe Root, both of whom notched up magnificent centuries. At one point, England looked set to coast home. Let’s also not forget how things could have been very different had Mohammed Siraj not stepped on the boundary rope after taking the catch of Harry Brook, when he was on just 19.And just when you though England had the game in the bag, drama struck again. Brook fell after a brilliant 109, followed by Jacob Bethell and Joe Root, dismissed in quick succession by Prasidh Krishna, who brought India right back into the game with two wickets in nine deliveries.
What’s At Stake on Day 5
England need 35 runs, but their chances of a 3-1 series win are not as secure as they look. Chris Woakes is injured, with a sling on his arm, and will only bat if absolutely necessary. The second new ball is due in 3.4 overs, which could dramatically shift momentum India’s way early on Day 5.With swing likely early in the morning and a fresh Duke’s ball in hand, India’s pacers could be lethal, though England will enjoy the benefit of a heavy roller to flatten the pitch even more.
Fitting End to a Fierce Series
The fact that we’re still unsure of a winner after 24 days of intense cricket tells you all you need to know. This series has tested every player’s endurance and composure. Whether it ends 3-1 or 2-2, this final day is set to be a fitting climax to one of the most hard-fought India-England series in recent memory.
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