Post by : Meena Ariff

The ongoing cricket Test series between England and India has reached a heart-pounding moment. The fifth and final match, being played at The Oval, has been affected by rain and bad light, leaving both teams with everything to fight for on the final day—Monday morning.

England ended Day 4 with a score of 339 runs for the loss of 6 wickets while chasing a challenging target of 374 runs. They now need only 35 more runs to win, but India needs just 3 or 4 more wickets to stop them and level the series at 2-2. The match is balanced on a knife’s edge, and fans all over the world are eagerly waiting for what could be one of the most exciting finishes in recent cricket history.

Root and Brook Shine Bright

Two of England’s most dependable batters, Joe Root and Harry Brook, played fantastic innings on Sunday. Brook scored 111 runs, while Root made 105. Both played with confidence and skill, keeping India’s bowlers under pressure for most of the day. Their efforts brought England very close to a win and seemed to crush India’s hopes for a while.

Brook’s century was special—it was his 10th Test hundred and came in just his 30th match. This makes him the fastest English cricketer to score 10 Test centuries in the last 70 years. Joe Root also showed why he is one of the best batters in the world, hitting his 39th Test century.

India Fights Back Late in the Day

Just when England seemed to be cruising toward victory, India came back strongly. It all started when Brook played a poor shot against Indian fast bowler Akash Deep and got caught at mid-off. This gave India hope again.

Soon after, young Jacob Bethell played a rash shot, hitting his stumps in a big mistake. The pressure began to build. The key turning point came when Prasidh Krishna dismissed Root. Root was caught behind in a wicket-maiden over, meaning India gave away no runs in that over and took the most important wicket of the day.

At this point, England still needed 37 more runs to win.

England's Injury Worries

England might only have three wickets left, not four, because all-rounder Chris Woakes is injured. He was seen on Sunday with his left arm in a sling and may not be able to bat properly. If he does come out to bat, he might have to play with just one hand.

The two batters currently at the crease are Jamie Smith (2 not out) and Jamie Overton (0 not out). These two are not known for their batting, and the pressure will be immense when they return to the field on Monday.

England’s Brave Run Chase

Chasing 374 runs is never easy in Test cricket. England had done something similar in the first Test of the series in Leeds, where they chased down 371 runs, setting a record for that ground.

This time, they were on their way to another historic win. The team’s aggressive style of playing, called “Bazball,” has made them famous for taking bold decisions and going for big run chases. And for most of the day, it looked like they would succeed again.

India’s Morning Session Domination

Earlier in the day, India had performed brilliantly in the morning session. Their bowlers were sharp and their fielding tight. At lunchtime, it looked like India had a strong chance to win. But then Root and Brook completely changed the momentum in the afternoon, taking control of the game.

The Big Day Awaits

Now, everything comes down to the final morning of the series. Both teams still have a chance to win. If England scores the remaining 35 runs, they will win the match and the series 3-1. But if India takes the remaining 3 wickets, they will level the series 2-2.

Fans are already calling it a “Monday morning thriller.” Everyone is hoping the weather will stay clear, and there will be no interruptions due to rain or bad light.

Key Moments from Day 4:

• Joe Root scored 105 runs (his 39th Test century).
• Harry Brook hit 111 runs (his 10th Test century in just 30 matches).
• Brook was dropped on 19 by Siraj before going on to score 111.
• Prasidh Krishna took 3 wickets, including the crucial one of Joe Root.
• Akash Deep got Brook out with a clever ball.
• Jacob Bethell was bowled by dragging the ball onto his stumps.
• Chris Woakes likely won't bat due to a shoulder injury.
• England needs 35 runs; India needs 3 wickets.

This Test match has given fans everything—runs, wickets, drama, and now suspense. Monday morning’s final day will decide the fate of the entire series. Whether England’s lower order can finish the job or India’s bowlers can pull off a stunning comeback remains to be seen. One thing is sure—the final moments of this match will be remembered for a long time.