As Day Four drew to a close in the fifth and final Test between England and India, the match is perfectly poised for a thrilling climax, with England reaching 339 for 6 in pursuit of a target of 374. The two cricketing giants now stand at the brink—England needing just 35 more runs, while India hunts the last 4 wickets to level the series 2-2.
India had earlier wrapped up their second innings on Day Three, setting England a formidable fourth-innings chase. The hosts began Day Four on 50 for 1, but India’s bowlers came out with fire, claiming three quick wickets for just 106 runs in the morning session.
However, the momentum shifted dramatically as Harry Brook and Joe Root stitched together a majestic 195-run stand for the fourth wicket. Brook dazzled with a counter-attacking 111, while the ever-reliable Root notched up a classy 105, steering England into striking distance.
Just before the tea break, Akash Deep finally broke through by removing Brook, opening the door for India’s comeback. In a fiery spell that followed, Prasidh Krishna sent back two more English batters in quick succession, pushing the match toward a nerve-wracking conclusion.
Rain made an untimely appearance in the final session, forcing an early end to the day’s play. As things stand, England require only 35 runs with four wickets in hand, while India is just one spell away from leveling the series. To add to the drama, England’s Chris Woakes is uncertain to bat due to a hand injury, meaning India might need only three more breakthroughs if he doesn’t return.
At stumps, the responsibility lies with the unbeaten pair of Jamie Smith and Jamie Overton, who will resume batting under immense pressure on the final day. With the series hanging in the balance, Day Five promises a heart-stopping finish that cricket fans around the globe won’t want to miss.
Stay tuned—cricket’s ultimate cliffhanger awaits.
