The fifth Test match between England and India at The Oval in 2025 reached a crescendo on Day 4, delivering a spectacle that epitomized the drama and unpredictability of Test cricket. With England chasing a daunting 374 to clinch the series 3-1, and India needing just four wickets to level it at 2-2, the day unfolded with breathtaking performances, tactical battles, and a late twist courtesy of the weather, leaving the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy hanging in the balance. Harry Brook and Joe Root’s centuries powered England to within 35 runs of victory, but India’s spirited bowling fightback and an untimely rain delay ensured a thrilling finale awaits on Day 5.
As the sun rose over London, the stage was set for a pivotal day at The Oval, where England resumed their chase at 50/1, needing 324 more runs to surpass the venue’s record fourth-innings chase of 263, set in 1902. India, buoyed by Mohammed Siraj’s late strike on Day 3 to dismiss Zak Crawley, aimed to exploit early conditions with their pace attack. India’s resilient bowling unit, led by Siraj and Prasidh Krishna. The day ended prematurely due to bad light and rain, with England at 339/6, setting up a nail-biting conclusion.
England’s Batting Masterclass: Brook and Root Steal the Show
England’s pursuit of 374 was always going to hinge on their top order, and Day 4 showcased the brilliance of Harry Brook and Joe Root, who forged a game-defining 195-run partnership for the fourth wicket. Starting the day at 106/3 after losing stand-in captain Ollie Pope, England were under pressure, but the Yorkshire duo turned the tide with a blend of aggression and composure. Brook, in particular, embodied England’s fearless ‘Bazball’ approach, smashing 111 off just 98 balls, including 14 fours and two sixes. His century, reached in 91 balls, was the third-fastest by an Englishman against India, trailing only Jamie Smith and Ben Duckett. A standout moment came when he hammered 27 runs in eight balls, including a lofted six off Akash Deep, defying overcast conditions that favored the seamers.
Brook’s innings wasn’t without drama. On 19, he mistimed a hook off Prasidh Krishna, only for Mohammed Siraj to catch it at fine leg but step on the boundary rope, gifting Brook six runs and a lifeline. This error proved costly, as Brook capitalized with relentless intent, driving, pulling, and lofting with audacity. His dismissal, however, was equally dramatic—charging at Akash Deep, he miscued a lofted shot, lost his bat mid-swing, and saw Siraj redeem himself with a simple catch at mid-off. The Oval rose to applaud Brook’s 10th Test hundred, a knock that tilted the game firmly in England’s favor.
Joe Root, at the other end, was the epitome of class, compiling a masterful 105 off 152 balls, his 39th Test century, surpassing Kumar Sangakkara’s tally on the all-time list. Root’s innings was a study in control, featuring elegant cover drives and a textbook straight drive off Siraj to reach his hundred. His tribute to the late Graham Thorpe—donning a headband and pointing to the sky—was a poignant moment, reflecting Thorpe’s influence as a mentor and coach. Root’s composure anchored England’s chase, but his departure, edging Prasidh Krishna to keeper Dhruv Jurel shortly after his century, sparked a late collapse that reignited India’s hopes. By stumps, Jamie Smith (2*) and Jamie Overton (0*) were tasked with guiding England to the remaining 35 runs.
India’s Bowling Fightback: Siraj and Krishna Keep the Dream Alive
India’s bowling attack, led by the fiery duo of Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna, refused to let the game slip away despite Brook and Root’s dominance. Siraj, who ended Day 3 by castling Zak Crawley with a searing yorker, continued his aggressive spell, finishing with 2/95 off 26 overs. His early breakthrough on Day 4 came when he trapped Ollie Pope lbw for 27 with a sharp inswinger, a tactical masterclass set up by captain Shubman Gill’s field placements that lured Pope into a false shot. Siraj’s relentless energy was evident in his multiple appeals, including two against Root in a single over, though both were turned down, with replays confirming the ball was either too high or missing the stumps.
Prasidh Krishna complemented Siraj with a lion-hearted performance, claiming 3/109 off 22.2 overs. His dismissal of Ben Duckett (54) early in the day, caught by KL Rahul at second slip, set a positive tone for India. Krishna’s late strikes were pivotal—first removing Jacob Bethell (5), who was bowled attempting an ambitious shot, and then dismissing Root, whose edge to Jurel sparked wild celebrations. Krishna’s ability to generate bounce and movement, even with an older ball, kept India in the contest. However, India’s spinners, Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar, were underutilized, with Gill delaying their introduction until the 43rd over, by which time Brook and Root were well-set. This tactical decision drew criticism, as the spinners failed to create pressure, conceding easy singles and failing to exploit any turn on offer.
India’s fielding, usually a strength, had a mixed day. Siraj’s boundary-rope blunder was a turning point, but Dhruv Jurel’s diving catch to dismiss Root showcased their resilience. With the new ball just four overs away at stumps, India’s pacers will fancy their chances on Day 5, especially if the overcast conditions persist.
Match Delay: Bad Light and Rain Steal the Spotlight
As the match reached its climax, nature intervened to add another layer of drama. Bad light forced the players off the field, with umpires citing insufficient light conditions after a lightmeter reading. Just as hopes of a resumption lingered, a heavy downpour drenched The Oval, covering the pitch and outfield.
Despite brief glimpses of clear skies, the ground staff couldn’t prepare the field in time, and play was abandoned for the day. The rain, coupled with the early stoppage, frustrated fans and players alike, with former England pacer Stuart Broad calling the decision to call off play at 6 pm “lazy” given the series’ stakes. The Oval’s sell-out crowd, buzzing with anticipation, was left to ponder the outcome until Monday.
Also Read: ENG vs IND: Joe Root’s 39th Test Century Steers England To Brink Of Victory