England requires 35 runs to defeat India as the fifth Test heads to a dramatic final day, perhaps deciding the series.
the highly anticipated cricket series between England and India will culminate in a thrilling finish on Monday after play was suspended on day four of the fifth and final Test due to deteriorating light and rain. England, currently at 339-6, needs just 35 more runs to secure victory and claim the series.
India, aiming to level the series at 2-2, must take four – and potentially only three – remaining wickets to achieve this. However, England’s batting lineup faces a significant challenge with all-rounder Chris Woakes nursing a shoulder injury. He was seen at the Oval with his arm in a sling,raising concerns about his ability to bat,though speculation suggests he may attempt to bat one-handed if required.
Joe Root’s resilient century (105 runs) and Harry Brook‘s impressive 111 were pivotal in England’s chase on Sunday. Wicketkeeper jamie Smith (2 not out) and Jamie Overton (0 not out) will resume play at the crease.
England’s pursuit of 374 echoes their remarkable chase of 371 in the series opener at Headingley, where they achieved a record-breaking run chase. Root and Brook appeared to be steering England towards a series-winning victory with their centuries – Root’s 39th and brook’s 10th – before a late collapse injected tension into the contest.
A crucial period saw Jacob Bethell fall to a poorly executed shot, adding pressure to the English innings. Brook’s dismissal,attempting a risky shot against Akash Deep,proved a turning point,ending a remarkable innings that saw him become the fastest player in 70 years to reach ten Test centuries. He had previously frustrated India, surviving a catch by Mohammed Siraj that went for a boundary when on 19.
Bethell’s dismissal was followed by Root being caught behind off Prasidh Krishna’s bowling, leaving England needing 37 runs with wickets in hand. The afternoon session had initially favored England, reversing the momentum gained by India in the morning.
this Test match is part of a broader context of England’s aggressive “Bazball” approach to Test cricket, characterized by bold attacking play. The outcome will not only determine the winner of the series but also provide further insight into the effectiveness of this strategy against a formidable Indian side.
