The penultimate day of the fifth Test between England and India ended in dramatic fashion, with the match finely poised heading into the final day. England were cruising towards their target of 374, thanks to sparkling centuries from Harry Brook and Joe Root, but a late Indian fightback left the hosts at 337 for six, still 35 runs short, when play was called off due to bad light and rain.
Brook's thrilling 10th Test century came to an end on 111 when he top-edged Akash Deep into the ring, while Root fell for 105, edging Prasidh Krishna behind. The wickets sparked a collapse, with England losing four wickets for just 30 runs after tea. Jacob Bethell also departed for five, bowled by a delivery from Krishna.
India's bowlers, led by Krishna and Mohammed Siraj, bowled with renewed intensity in the final session, generating movement with the old ball and creating several lbw appeals. The tourists will feel aggrieved that play was halted at 5.30pm, as they had the momentum firmly in their favour. However, the overnight break gives England's Jamie Smith and the lower order a chance to reset, though they will face a refreshed Indian attack with the second new ball just 3.4 overs away.
The day was not without controversy, as Siraj dropped a catch off Brook that went for six, after carrying the ball over the boundary rope. The moment proved costly, as Brook went on to score a brilliant century. England will resume on the final day needing 35 runs for victory, while India require four wickets to level the series at 2-2.
