IND vs ENG highlights, 5th Test Match Day 4: England 339/6 at stumps on Day 4, need 35 runs to win at The Oval

India vs England highlights, 5th Test Match Day 4: Harry Brook and Joe Root delivered commanding centuries before rain and fading light brought a premature end to Day 4 of the fifth Test, setting up a thrilling conclusion to the England-India series at The Oval.

England reached 339/6 when play was halted at 1703 GMT, still needing 35 runs to complete a record fourth-innings chase of 374. India, on the other hand, require four more wickets to level the series 2-2.

The day had begun with England struggling at 106/3 following the dismissal of stand-in captain Ollie Pope. But Yorkshire teammates Brook (111) and Root (105) swung momentum firmly back in England's favour, building a remarkable 195-run partnership for the fourth wicket. However, Brook’s departure triggered a slump that saw England lose three wickets for just 36 runs, including Root, who edged behind off Prasidh Krishna soon after reaching his 39th Test ton.

By the time bad light stopped play at 1630 GMT, Jamie Smith (2*) and Jamie Overton (0*) were at the crease. A heavy downpour soon followed, ruling out any chance of resumption.

The Oval’s record for the highest successful fourth-innings chase stands at 263 — set by England back in 1902. But under the fearless leadership of Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum, England have made a habit of rewriting Test cricket conventions. They opened this series by gunning down 371 in a dramatic win at Headingley.

Brook’s innings was packed with intent. He hammered 27 runs in the space of eight balls at one stage and even lofted Akash Deep for a six despite overcast conditions aiding the pacers. He survived a major scare when a mistimed hook off Prasidh Krishna was caught by Siraj, only for the fielder to step on the boundary rope, turning it into a six.

India captain Shubman Gill introduced spin late — not until the 43rd over — but neither Washington Sundar nor Ravindra Jadeja could dislodge the set batters. Brook brought up his century in just 91 balls with 12 fours and two sixes. His dismissal was dramatic — the bat flew out of his hands while attempting a big shot and the ball was safely caught by Siraj at mid-off.

Root, batting with signature elegance, reached his hundred with a pair of boundaries off Siraj and looked composed throughout his innings. However, he too fell shortly after, edging a flick to the keeper off Krishna.

Earlier in the day, India had made early inroads. Mohammed Siraj bowled Zak Crawley with the final ball of Day 3, and on Sunday, Prasidh Krishna got Duckett (54) to nick one to KL Rahul at second slip. Siraj then struck again to remove Pope for 27 with an in-seaming delivery.

With just 35 more runs needed by England and four wickets standing between India and a series draw, the stage is perfectly set for a dramatic finish on the final day — if the weather allows.