When India set England a target of 374 runs to win, many thought that Shubman Gill’s team would win the match easily. Chasing this run in the fourth innings and winning was no less than climbing a mountain. However, Root and Brook made that difficult task almost easy. However, India did not give up either. And so they showed signs of returning to the match in the last minute. In the meantime, rain interrupted again. And so the two teams are waiting for a thrilling final battle in the match that has been going on for the fifth day.
No team had ever chased more than 263 runs in the fourth innings at the Oval before. That incident also happened in 1902. And in this match, England’s target for victory was 374 runs. And so at the beginning of the innings, everyone considered India as the favorite. On the other hand, as long as Joe Root and Harry Brook were batting, it seemed that England would win by breaking a new record.
At one point, England’s score was 301 for 3 with a partnership of 195 runs between the two. The Indian bowlers were helpless in front of the two. But it doesn’t take long for the glorious uncertainty to change the color of the match in cricket. And so, Akash Deep seemed to return Harry Brook. Mohammad Siraj took the catch at mid-off. Which is why Brook was able to come this far, able to score 111.
The main story is that Harry Brook could have gone back for just 19 runs. The Indian pacer took the catch brilliantly. However, his legs betrayed him. He lost his balance and touched the boundary of the fine leg area. And so Brook was gifted a six as he went back for 19 runs. Had Siraj taken that catch off Prasidh Krishna in the first session of the fourth day, England’s score would have been 137 for 4.
When Brook, who had scored a century off 91 balls, was finally out, there was no doubt about England winning the match. They needed 73 runs. Root was ruling the wickets. But after adding 31 to those 73 runs, India suddenly came back into the match. By taking 2 more wickets for 5 runs.
First, the famous Krishna returned Bethel. He also took Root’s wicket. Earlier, Root returned with his 39th century (105) of his Test career. England’s score was 337 for 6, still needing 37 runs. The series that has given so much drama, why not add a little more drama at the end! The game was called off due to poor lighting.
After a while, rain came down and brought the day’s play to a premature end. England were 35 runs away from victory. Jamie Smith and Overton were both on the wicket. All the previous four Tests ended on the fifth day. Nature dragged the last Test on the fifth day too! And England, with the last 4 wickets in hand, are waiting for 35 runs. It is certain that India will not give up either.
Short scores at the end of the 4th day
India: 224 and 396.
England: 339/6 in 247 and 76.2 overs (Brook 111, Root 105, Duckett 54, Pope 27; Krishna 3/109, Siraj 2/95, Deep 1/85).
FAQ
What is the target England needs to chase in the 5th Test at The Oval?
England was set a target of 374 runs by India in the fourth innings of the final Test match.
What makes this run chase significant?
No team has ever successfully chased more than 263 runs in the fourth innings at The Oval. That record was set in 1902, making this chase potentially historic.
Who were the standout performers for England on Day 4?
Joe Root and Harry Brook were exceptional, with Root scoring 105 and Brook adding 111, forming a 195-run partnership.
How did India fight back late in the day?
After England reached 301/3, India took 3 quick wickets—including Brook and Root—thanks to Akash Deep, Mohammed Siraj, and Prasidh Krishna, shifting momentum.
