The penultimate day of the fifth and concluding Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Series provided a spectacle. With a target of 324 runs remaining, the English team commenced their innings with calculated precision. Yet, the subsequent phase witnessed an explosive batting performance. Concurrently, the Indian bowling attack exhibited resilience in the closing session, affording a glimmer of optimism for the visiting squad.
Joe Root propels England nearer to triumph, but India maintains aspirations
Until the tea interval, the English side appeared more favorably positioned, with victory seemingly within reach at 317 for 4. Nonetheless, the Indian bowlers returned with enhanced vigor, resolute in their intent to sustain the competitive nature of the match. Following Joe Root’s achievement of his 39th Test century, the tide momentarily turned. England’s batsmen encountered difficulties under mounting pressure, and Jacob Bethell, after a prolonged effort spanning 31 deliveries, was eventually dismissed for a mere 5 runs.
Moments later, a significant breakthrough occurred as Root was removed by Prasidh Krishna, eliciting astonishment among the crowd at the Oval. With only 35 runs required and four wickets still in hand, India intensified their fielding strategy and amplified the overall pressure. The visiting team signaled their determination not to relinquish the match easily, thereby establishing a gripping final segment.
Harry Brook’s stunning century grants England dominance at the Oval
During the initial stages of Day 4 at The Oval, Harry Brook emerged as the central figure, delivering a remarkable century that invigorated England’s pursuit. Having survived a dropped catch at 19, Brook seized the opportunity and launched an aggressive assault on the Indian bowlers, amassing 111 runs from a mere 98 deliveries, adorned with 12 boundaries and 2 sixes. His assured and commanding batting performance solidified England’s advantageous position, particularly as he skillfully maneuvered through India’s disciplined bowling efforts.
In conjunction, Ollie Pope delivered consistent reinforcement, battling resolutely to maintain his stance amidst the prevailing strain. Despite India’s endeavors, notably from bowlers such as Akash Deep and Prasidh, Brook’s innings instigated a shift in the contest’s dynamics, propelling England closer to their desired score.
Also WATCH: Mohammed Siraj’s superb inswinging delivery bowls out Ollie Pope on Day 4 of the fifth Test
Here’s the audience feedback:
#askStar
What a great effort by all 3 fast bowlers. They have literally extract out the chances from nowhere. Anything can be happen tomorrow #INDvsENG— Barun Kumar (@Barunnitb) August 3, 2025
CALLED OF DAY 4 AT OVAL DUE TO BAD LIGHT AND RAIN.
INDIA NEED 4 WICKETS AND ENGLAND NEED 35 MORE RUNS TO WIN. WHAT A TEST MATCH RUNNING. Decision Will announced day 5. Stay tune. We Will win #ENGvIND #INDvsENG pic.twitter.com/oiCMT18S1T
— Vinod Vishwakarma (@we_knowd) August 3, 2025
All 5 tests End on 5th day
What a blockbuster series #ENGvIND #INDvsENG— Crickupdate (@maulikchauhan13) August 3, 2025
💯 in the last innings of the test match by Harry Brook is a play which earns you respect all around.
— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) August 3, 2025
A superb comeback by Indian bowlers….
Prasidh krishna 🤌
Siraj 🤌…
Hope India will make it tomorrow 🤞#INDvsENG— Rishi (@RishiRo264) August 3, 2025
India had an outisde chance had it gone till the end today itself as the crowd was behind. Tomorrow it won’t be same intensity and importantly the use of heavy roller will ease out the pitch.#ENGvIND
— Arjun4u (@Arjun4u1) August 3, 2025
🚨 FIFTH TEST IS GOING INTO THE FINAL DAY 🚨
– This is Absolute Cinema. 🎯
5 Days in 1st Test, 2nd Test, 3rd Test, 4th Test & 5th Test 🤯 One of the Craziest Test series ever in the History. pic.twitter.com/kdrvEDsSnQ
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) August 3, 2025
Cricket gyaan: What another fantastic day of test cricket: @root66 is a all time great, Harry Brookes is on his way to becoming the next English great. If England win, it will be one of their finest ever. If India wins, it would be fitting: 2-2 is a fair result to an utterly…
— Rajdeep Sardesai (@sardesairajdeep) August 3, 2025
Why was there no activity from ground staff to clear the rainwater after the rain had stopped? Deliberately delaying it so that England gets to have the benefit of the roller tomorrow?! #ENGvIND
— Sahil Prakash (@sahil_prakash) August 3, 2025
What a Test match! 🏏
Stumps on Day 4: England 339/6, need just 35 runs to win with 4 wickets in hand!
Joe Root’s ton gave them hope, but India hit back late!
Nail-biting Day 5 awaits 🔥#ENGvIND #TestCricket #JoeRoot #CricketTwitter— Haris Mahmood (@HarisMa73708878) August 3, 2025
It’s Prasidh’s Route 💥
And we believe 💪🏻#WhistlePodu #ENGvIND
📷 : BCCI pic.twitter.com/NBM3U801nY— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) August 3, 2025
Day 5 awaits at the Kennington Oval – with England needing 35 runs and India needing 4 wickets#cricket #ENGvIND #5thTest #CricketTwitter pic.twitter.com/lsqONe9P1l
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) August 3, 2025
Also WATCH: Prasidh Krishna dismisses Ben Duckett’s with vital Day 4 delivery in final Test