Brook Root 100s dismantle India as England end day 4 on a formidable 339/6

 

Who would’ve thought the Oval Test would go into a fifth day? At the end of Day 3, the scales seemed to be tipped heavily in India’s favour. Even the first hour of Day 4 gave the same impression. But then, the tide turned. England roared back, thanks to sublime centuries from Harry Brook and Joe Root, putting Ben Stokes’ men firmly in the driver’s seat. At one point, it looked like England would seal the match and the series shortly after the tea break. But the drama wasn’t over yet. India’s bowlers clawed their way back into the contest late in the day. And just when things reached a boiling point, the rain arrived—wiping out the final hour and a half of play. So now, the outcome rests on Monday, the final day. Both teams have a chance to win: England need just 35 runs, India need four wickets.

This wasn’t the picture at the end of Day 3. India had posted 396, with Yashasvi Jaiswal scoring a century. Nightwatchman Akash Deep played a vital knock of 66, while Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar both contributed quick half-centuries. Mohammed Siraj provided a crucial breakthrough by removing Zak Crawley late in the day. India had made 224 in the first innings, and England had replied with 247, giving the visitors a 23-run lead. That turned into a target of 374 for England—massive by Oval standards, where the previous highest successful chase was 263. England, without Chris Woakes in the XI, were looking to break that record. A win would level the series 2-2 for India; a loss would mean a 3-1 defeat.

India’s start on Day 4 wasn’t poor by any means. Under overcast skies, Akash Deep and Prasidh Krishna made the most of seam-friendly conditions, with Siraj complementing them by swinging the ball sharply in Bumrah’s absence. Krishna dismissed Ben Duckett for 54, and Siraj sent back Ollie Pope soon after for 27. At that point, Harry Brook decided to counterattack—classic ‘Bazball’. But with that approach comes risk. And it nearly backfired. When Brook was on 20, he tried to hit a big shot off Krishna toward fine leg. The ball went straight to Siraj, who caught it cleanly—but in trying to keep his balance, stepped on the boundary rope. Instead of a wicket, England got six runs. Hands went to heads.

Brook after that went unleashed as he smashed the Indian pace attack to all parts of the ground and India team was thrown to disarray. Boundaries followed thick and fast as the Indian teamed panicked . Root too got back his bearings and produced boundaries as the Brook Root stand scripted a  rollicking partnership of 195 runs 

Yet India weren't done. Late in the day, both Brook (111) and Root (106) —England’s twin run-machines—were dismissed by Prasidh Krishna and Akash Deep, injecting fresh life into the match. When Bethell followed them back soon after, hopes were rekindled in the Indian camp.

Brook was caught by Siraj as he sent for a  big hit off Akashdeep .Bethell had an uncomfortable short stay and was bowled by Prasidh while Root was caught behind off Prasidh  as suddenly out of nowhere India got back in the same . 

Now, as we head into the fifth and final day with the score at 339/6 with Woakes ready to bat , Indian fans are hoping their team can fight tooth and nail one last time. The rest is up to the cricketing gods.