The final match of the five-match Test series between India and England is underway at The Oval in London. Play on Sunday was called off early due to rain.
Sports News: The final and decisive match of the five-Test series between India and England at The Oval in London has reached a thrilling stage. The fourth day's play was halted prematurely due to rain, but before that, England batted brilliantly to reach 339 for six. They now need only 35 more runs to win, while India needs to take England's last four wickets to secure victory.
Root and Brook Provide Strength
In England's second innings, Joe Root and Harry Brook played magnificent centuries to pull the team out of difficult circumstances and lay a b foundation for victory. After losing three wickets for 106, these two batsmen added 195 runs for the fourth wicket, which is the second-highest partnership for England in the fourth innings against India.
Harry Brook completed his century in 91 balls, his 10th in Test cricket. He played an excellent innings of 111 runs off 98 balls, with the help of 14 fours and two sixes. Meanwhile, experienced batsman Joe Root completed his 39th Test century in 101 balls and was dismissed for 105 off 152 balls. This was Root's 13th century against India and his 24th Test century in England, setting a record for the most centuries by a player in home Tests.
Indian Bowlers Take Crucial Wickets
For India, Prasidh Krishna was the most successful bowler in England's second innings, taking three wickets. Mohammed Siraj took two wickets, while Akash Deep took one. However, the Indian bowlers were late in breaking the partnership between Root and Brook, which helped England get closer to the target.
The fourth day's play was stopped when England had scored 339 runs for six wickets. At that time, Jamie Smith was at the crease with two runs off 17 balls and Jamie Overton was yet to score. Play could not be resumed due to rain, and stumps were declared.
India's Second Innings Gave the Lead
Earlier, India scored 224 runs in the first innings with the help of Karun Nair's half-century. In reply, England scored 247 runs thanks to innings from Zak Crawley (64) and Harry Brook (53), taking a lead of 23 runs. In the second innings, India scored 396 runs, with Yashasvi Jaiswal's century (113 runs) and half-centuries from Akash Deep (64), Ravindra Jadeja (53), and Washington Sundar (53), setting England a target of 374 runs.
Duckett Started Well, Then Came the Blow
England resumed play on the fourth day from 50 for one. Ben Duckett played a useful innings of 54 runs but was caught by KL Rahul off Prasidh Krishna's ball. After that, Siraj dismissed Ollie Pope (27) LBW, giving India their third success. But after that, the partnership between Root and Brook dashed India's hopes of a comeback.
Now the match has reached a thrilling stage on the fifth and final day. England needs to score only 35 runs and has four wickets remaining. On the other hand, India will have to bowl aggressively to win.
