England is just 35 runs away from victory, while India needs 4 wickets to level the series. England ended Day 4 of the fifth Test of the five-match series on 339/6, with Jamie Smith (2) and Jamie Overton (0) at the crease, as play was halted due to heavy rain. The dramatic Test series between India and England now heads into its 25th and final day, with the result still uncertain. England looked set for an easy win after brilliant centuries from Harry Brook and Joe Root, as they chased 374 runs. But Indian bowler Prasidh Krishna struck twice in just nine balls to keep India’s hopes alive. Soon after, bad light and heavy rain stopped play, forcing the match into a fifth day – the fifth time in this series that a match has gone the full distance.

England close, but not safe

Now, England need just 35 more runs to win, but they only have four wickets left. One of those wickets is Chris Woakes, who is injured. His arm is in a sling due to a shoulder problem. He is expected to bat only if absolutely necessary, and as the last man.

India, on the other hand, will get a new ball in just 3.4 more overs. Their fast bowlers, who had a heavy workload on Sunday, will return fresh and ready to push for a win.

A fitting end to a hard-fought series

This final match reflects the intensity of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy. The series has tested both teams physically and mentally. England currently lead 2-1 after a big chase of 371 in Leeds and a successful defense of 193 at Lord’s. Indian team have pushed hard throughout, but they now need one final effort to draw the series on Monday morning.

India start Sunday with strong energy

India came out full of energy on Sunday. Their close-in fielders were louder and more involved than ever. They fully supported their seamers. Mohammed Siraj had earlier dismissed Zak Crawley with a yorker on the third evening. On day four, it was Prasidh Krishna who took the first wicket, sending Ben Duckett back for 54 with a catch at second slip.

Before lunch, Siraj struck again, leaving England at 106 for 3. He dismissed Ollie Pope lbw for the second time in the match. Pope misjudged a delivery that nipped back and was trapped in front. His 27-run innings brought his series total to 304 runs at an average of 34, with his form dipping after a century in Headingley.

A dramatic moment shifts momentum

Siraj was again involved in a major turning point. Brook, who was on 19, decided to attack. He hit Akash Deep for a four and a six, then went after Prasidh. Brook mistimed a shot and hit it straight to Siraj on the boundary. Siraj caught it, but accidentally stepped on the boundary marker while balancing himself. That meant Brook was not out. Prasidh had already started celebrating, but Siraj was left shocked by his mistake.

This lifeline gave Brook more confidence. He hit two more boundaries in the same over, taking 16 runs off it. By lunch, Brook and Root had added 58 runs in just 10.3 overs. After lunch, Brook continued in the same style, hitting Prasidh for two more boundaries.

England take control after lunch

As India spread the field to stop the scoring, Brook and Root smartly rotated the strike. They focused on attacking the spinners, which forced Shubman Gill to bring back the seamers. During this time, Akash Deep, looking tired, tried to stop a shot with his foot but deflected the ball to the boundary. That shot brought Brook to 98.

Brook soon celebrated a stunning century in just 91 balls. He raised his bat and ran toward the dressing room in excitement. It was his first fourth-innings century and the tenth of his Test career in just 50 innings. Though he had scored bigger hundreds before, this one stood out because of the pressure and situation.

Brook eventually got out trying to hit a third boundary in a row off Akash Deep. His bat slipped, and the ball went straight up to mid-off. But Root kept going. He was given not out on an lbw review while on 88 and carried on smoothly.

Root’s special hundred and tribute

Soon after tea, Root reached his 39th Test century with a flick off his pads. He celebrated emotionally by wearing a white headband in memory of his mentor Graham Thorpe. These headbands were sold at The Oval to raise money for mental health charities. Root pointed to the sky in Thorpe’s memory.

Late drama gives India a chance

But there was still drama left. Young batter Jacob Bethell, who had barely played in this series, looked out of touch. He scored just twice in 31 balls before misjudging Prasidh and got bowled. India didn’t celebrate much because they knew Root’s wicket was the key.

Two overs later, they got that breakthrough. Prasidh bowled a delivery that moved slightly, and Root edged it behind the stumps. The crowd erupted, and Indian fans at The Oval came back to life.

Rain halts play with everything to play for

As dark clouds gathered, England’s scoring almost stopped. Jamie Smith and Jamie Overton managed just two runs in 20 balls. Siraj, giving everything, bowled his 22nd over of the day. India even made a mild appeal for a catch behind, which led to a long review that delayed play. By the time the review ended, the light had worsened. Moments later, heavy rain forced an early end to the day.

Now, with the entire series on the line, both teams must give everything they have on Monday morning in what promises to be a thrilling conclusion.

Brief Scorecard