A dropped catch by Siraj proved costly, but a late Indian fightback with key wickets leaves the match on a knife-edge
London: The fourth day of the final Test at The Oval delivered high drama, high scores, and heart-stopping moments as England edged closer to a memorable series win against India. At stumps, England finished a tense day at 339/6, just 35 runs away from chasing down a daunting target of 374, while India needs four wickets to deny the hosts a 3-1 series triumph.
Centurions light up The Oval
The backbone of England’s spirited chase was a spectacular display of batting by Harry Brook (111) and Joe Root (105). Their 195-run partnership for the fourth wicket turned the tide in England’s favour. Brook, batting with authority and aggression, reached his century with a trademark cover drive, bringing the home crowd to their feet. Root, meanwhile, crafted his innings with typical composure, notching up his 32nd Test hundred and steadying the chase at crucial junctures.
The key turning point: Siraj’s dropped catch
Just as India looked for a breakthrough to claw their way back, Mohammed Siraj was at the centre of a pivotal moment. With Root still in the nineties, Siraj dropped a regulation catch at square leg off Prasidh Krishna—a miss that proved extremely costly as Root went on to his century, cementing England’s dominance during a period when quick wickets were desperately needed by the visitors. The error drew groans from Indian supporters and served as a stark reminder that in top-level cricket, even a single lapse can change the course of a match.
Indian bowlers stage late fightback
Despite dominating for much of the day, England lost a clutch of wickets in the final session, Root fell for 105 (caught behind after passing a hundred), and soon after, the lower middle order was tested as India unleashed an aggressive reverse-swing assault. Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna redeemed themselves with disciplined spells that resulted in crucial wickets, keeping Indian hopes alive as shadows lengthened across The Oval.
Bad light halts play – All results possible
Play came to a premature halt due to bad light, leaving the outcome thrillingly poised for the final day. England needs just 35 runs with four wickets in hand, while India, desperate for a result to square the series 2-2, must run through the lower order early on Day 5.
Scorecard at Stumps, Day 4
India 224 & 396
England 247 & 339/6
Runs to Win: England need 35, India require 4 wickets
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