The penultimate day of the fifth Test between England and India at The Oval ended in dramatic fashion, with England needing 35 runs to win but only four wickets remaining. Bad light and rain forced an early close, leaving the match finely poised heading into the final day.
England had been cruising towards their target of 374, thanks to sparkling centuries from Harry Brook (111) and Joe Root (105). However, India fought back after tea, claiming three quick wickets to leave the hosts at 337 for six. Brook fell before tea, top-edging Akash Deep to the ring, while Jacob Bethell was bowled for five. Root's dismissal for 105, caught behind off Prasidh Krishna, sparked alarm among the home support.
From 337 for six, Jamie Smith and Jamie Overton played out 20 balls of cautious cricket, adding just two singles. Play was called off at 6pm due to bad light, but 30 minutes later the sun was shining, leading to frustration among the remaining spectators. England will resume on the final day with Smith and the tail needing to negotiate the second new ball, which is just 3.4 overs away.
The day was also notable for a controversial moment when Mohammed Siraj dropped a catch off Brook, inadvertently flicking the ball over the boundary for six. Siraj had held the catch but stepped on the rope, gifting Brook a reprieve. Brook was on 19 at the time, and the incident could prove decisive if India go on to lose.
India can still level the series at 2-2, while England need 35 runs to secure a 3-1 series victory. The final day promises to be a thriller, with both teams having everything to play for.
