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

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.

England 339/6 at stumps on Day 4, need 35 runs to win at The Oval

The rain has reduced in intensity, although it continues to fall. We are hearing that the match needs to restart by 11.12 pm IST (5.42 pm GMT) to accommodate any additional activity for the day. Should

this occur, the proceedings can continue until 12 am IST.

Heavy rainfall has intensified at the ground.

The support staff are swiftly moving to deploy additional covers. They are now ensuring the complete square is protected under the covers.

Disappointing update from London.

The heavy downpour continues at the venue. The delay is expected to extend further. Ground staff have begun deploying the side covers to safeguard the outfield from the persistent rain.

A light drizzle has begun, with occasional drops visible, though not particularly intense. The visibility of raindrops might be clearer against a darker surface. The ground staff have responded by bringing out white protective covers, placing them over the pitch and surrounding square areas.

However, based on aerial views of the stadium vicinity, clear skies are visible, suggesting this interruption should be brief. We shall continue to provide updates on the situation.

Covers are coming on. Main pitch has been covered. It looks so dark at the Oval.

Bad light halts play at the Oval.

The lightmeter is out! Bad light stops play at the Oval.

Players are now being directed to leave the field due to insufficient light conditions. Additionally, there were occasional raindrops observed during this interruption.

ENGLAND 339/6, need 35 runs to win vs INDIA

A loud caught behind appeal from Prasidh Krishna against Jamie Overton. Umpire isn't sure and he has sent this upstairs. Was it a bump call? Ball seems going under the bat. 'Looks like there is a gap between bat and ball' says Rod Tucker. Looks not out. It's NOT OUT.

Jamie Smith, who dominated bowlers with aggressive batting at the start of the series, currently faces difficulties in scoring runs.

Chris Woakes can be seen in whites.

The crowd erupts with chants of "India! India!" after every delivery from Siraj or Prasidh.

The Oval is buzzing with energy.

England need 35 runs, India need 4 wickets.

What a contest!

Two or more 100s for England in the same 4th innings of a Test

3 - (P Gibb 120, B Edrich 219, W Hammond 140) vs SA, Durban, 1939
2 - (Herbert Sutcliffe 115, Frank Woolley 123) vs AUS, Sydney, 1924
2 - (Joe Root 142*, Jonny Bairstow 114*) vs IND, Edgbaston, 2022
2 - (Harry Brook 111, Joe Root 105) vs IND, The Oval, 2025**

England need just 36 runs, but the ball is starting to talk.

With a new ball due in 6.3 overs, India still have a glimmer of hope at The Oval.

BIG BIG WICKET!

Prasidh Krishna ends Joe Root's stay at 105 runs. India secure the crucial wicket! Joe Root displays visible disappointment. He is walking back to the pavilion. The delivery lands on a back of length, outside off stump, and Root unusually attempts to play away from his frame. The ball takes the outside edge, travelling leftwards of the wicketkeeper. Dhruv Jurel shifts to his left and completes a confident catch.

ENGLAND 337/6, need 37 runs vs INDIA

REVIEW and NOT OUT! A loud LBW appeal from Prasidh Krishna against Joe Root. Umpire is unmoved. Looks close. Shubman takes a review. There is no bat. Pitching outside off. Wickets missing. Good decision from umpire.

Siraj is bowing wonderfully. Three back-to-back appeals in this over. Two against Root and one against Jamie Smith. Siraj is not giving up. He is putting everything here. All India want is - Root's wicket.

ENGLAND 335/5, need 39 runs to win.

APPEAL! A loud LBW appeal from Siraj against Joe Root. It looks close. Umpire Dharmasena is unmoved. Siraj has a big smile on his face. Shubman Gill is havign a chat with Siraj and he is not taking a review.

WICKET!

Prasidh Krishna castles Jacob Bethell for 5 runs. Bethell attempts to counter the mounting pressure and loses his wicket in doing so. Bowling from around the wicket, Prasidh delivers a short of length ball near off stump, as Bethell advances down the pitch and attempts a flat-batted shot towards long-on. The ball takes the inside edge and crashes into the middle stump.

ENGLAND 332/5, need 42 runs vs INDIA

STAT:

24th Test hundred for Joe Root in England - the most for anyone in home Tests, surpassing 23 centuries each by Ricky Ponting, Jacques Kallis and Mahela Jayawardene.

Most Test hundreds against an opponent

19 - Don Bradman (AUS) vs England
13 - Sunil Gavaskar (IND) vs West Indies
13 - Joe Root (ENG) vs India**
12 - Jack Hobbs (ENG) vs Australia
12 - Steven Smith (AUS) vs England

This is Root’s 16th hundred against India in International cricket, the joint-most alongside Steven Smith.

Most Test hundreds

51 - Sachin Tendulkar (IND)
45 - Jacques Kallis (SA)
41 - Ricky Ponting (AUS)
39 - Joe Root (ENG)*
38 - Kumar Sangakkara (SL)

CENTURY!

Joe Root slams 39th Test hundred. The chants of "Rooooooot" across the stadium. Upon reaching this milestone, he removes his helmet and acknowledges the dressing room by lifting his bat. In a touching tribute to Graham Thorpe, he dons a headband, offering a meaningful dedication and a thoughtful gesture.

ENGLAND 325/4, need 49 runs to win vs INDIA

BONUS RUNS! Akash Deep to Root. It is way down the leg side. Jurel dives but can't even touch the ball. 5 wides.

England need 51 runs

Joe Root and Jacob Bethell are in the middle

England need 57 runs

Akash Deep will start the proceedings

Here we go ... !!

Harry Brook’s bold century and Joe Root’s composed unbeaten 98 powered England to the brink of a historic 374-run chase against India by tea on Day 4 of the final Test at The Oval on Sunday.

The pair shared a game-changing 195-run stand in just 211 deliveries, flipping the match firmly in England’s favour. At the break, England were cruising at 317 for 4, just 57 runs away from clinching the Test and sealing a 3-1 series victory.

Brook, registering his second hundred of the series, hammered 111 off 98 balls — a knock full of authority and clean hitting despite immense pressure. He capitalized on a reprieve on 19 when Mohammed Siraj caught him at fine leg but accidentally stepped on the boundary rope, giving Brook six runs instead of sending him back.

India’s bowlers found little help from the surface or the softening ball. The pace attack — Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, and Akash Deep — struggled to create chances, and the spin duo of Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar failed to make an impact, partly due to limited overs.

With the second new ball still 14 overs away, England were firmly in control, and at their current pace, could finish the job before India get another major opportunity with the ball.

The hosts handled India’s short-ball strategy with ease, as the older ball lost its sting. Fielding intensity dropped, a sign of India’s frustration, especially after Brook drove Akash Deep through the covers for a boundary. Ironically, he was dismissed two balls later — attempting another big shot, he lost his grip on the bat mid-swing and offered an easy catch to Siraj at mid-off.

Brook played with aggressive flair, while Root was all class. He edged closer to his century with two successive boundaries off Siraj — the second, a textbook straight drive — reflecting his complete control at the crease.

Earlier in the day, India had made a strong start. Siraj, who ended Day 3 by bowling Crawley, resumed with Akash Deep and bowled a fiery eight-over spell. He repeatedly tested Ben Duckett and Ollie Pope.

It was Prasidh who struck first in the morning, tempting Duckett into a loose drive and getting him caught at second slip by KL Rahul. Siraj followed up by trapping Pope lbw with a sharp delivery that jagged in — the second time he dismissed the stand-in England skipper in the match.

Pope had looked fluent for a brief period, collecting three boundaries in a single Prasidh over before falling in the next.

Root, however, settled in quickly, stroking two elegant cover drives off Siraj to establish himself. Brook, meanwhile, looked to attack from the outset. He lofted Akash Deep for a six over cover and narrowly survived when a mistimed hook off Prasidh was caught by Siraj — who again stepped on the rope, turning a dismissal into another six.

Both Siraj and Prasidh dug deep, bowling extended spells in what could turn out to be the final day of a grueling five-match series.

England resumed at 50 for 1, still needing 324 runs to complete what would have been a record-breaking chase at this ground. The previous best was 263 by England back in 1902. Now, that long-standing mark looks set to fall — thanks to Brook’s fireworks and Root’s steady hand.

Good news!

Play will restart at 9pm (IST)

Groundstaff members are pulling a rope across the outfield.

Cricket action should commence shortly.

Good news!

Covers are coming off.

Bad news, folks!

Currently, the bowlers' run-ups and the pitch remain protected by covers. This appears to be a preventive measure, as the covers extend only to a portion of the square rather than spanning its complete area.

Highest 4th innings partnerships against India in Tests

269* - J Bairstow & Joe Root (ENG), Edgbaston, 2022
216 - R Dias & D Mendis (SL), Kandi, 1985
205 - AB de Villiers & F du Plessis (SA), Jo’burg, 2013
195 - Harry Brook & Joe Root (ENG), The Oval, 2025*
188 - Zak Crawley & Ben Duckett (ENG), Leeds, 2025

SESSION SUMMARY - 28 Overs, 153 Runs, and 1 Wicket.

England's aggressive batting approach has demonstrated their capability to chase down formidable targets. Their current position suggests they are close to achieving another remarkable run chase, validating their strategy of pursuing targets regardless of their magnitude. Joe Root and Harry Brook have turned the game upside down and of course in England's favour.

FOUR! Joe Root sends Mohammed Siraj straight down the ground for a boundary. Beautiful shot from the veteran batter.

ENGLAND 317/4, need 57 runs to win.

FOUR! Joe Root into the 90s now. He cleverly sends Siraj towards third man fence. He uses the pace, opens the face of the bat and that's a boundary for him. He moves to 94.

REVIEW and NOT OUT! A loud LBW appeal from Mohammed Siraj against Joe Root. Umpire Dharmasena is unmoved. Shubman is having a chat with Siraj. He takes a REVIEW. No bat involved. Impact is outside the offstump. It's NOT OUT.

A moment of drama!

The ball is short and outside off. Bethell goes for a pull shot towards the leg side but mistimes it completely. It comes off the toe end of the bat and lobs up near the non-striker’s end. Akash Deep turns quickly to go for the catch, but his spikes get stuck in the ground and he slips badly. He can’t reach the ball in time. A lucky escape for Bethell, who survives a big scare in the middle.

195-run stand between Root and Brook is the second highest for England against India in the 4th innings behind 269* runs added by Root and Bairstow in England’s highest successful chase in Tests at Edgbaston in 2022.

WICKET!

Akash Deep ends Harry Brook's stay at 111. Brook's brilliant innings comes to an end, prompting the spectators at The Oval to stand and applaud. The delivery lands at a persistent length on off stump, and Brook advances down the pitch attempting a big shot towards the off side. He loses control of his bat, which flies towards square leg. The ball travels high in the air towards mid off, where Mohammed Siraj completes a straightforward catch.

Isn't it too late?

ENGLAND 301/4, need 73 runs vs INDIA

FOUR! Brook's in a hurry. He smashes Akash Deep towards mid-wicket fence.

England need 73 runs

FOUR! Width on offer by Akash Deep. And he gets the perfect treatment from Harry Brook. Brook crunches this through the covers. Superb cracking shot from the right hander.

FOUR! What a shot. Joe Root opens the face of the bat, uses the pace and guides the ball through gully. Siraj isn't happy with this. The runs just keep flowing for England.

ENGLAND 293/3, need 81 runs to win

Most times 500-plus runs vs IND in a series

3 - Joe Root (ENG)**
2 - Everton Weekes (WI)
2 - Zaheer Abbas (PAK)
2 - Younis Khan (PAK)
2 - Garry Sobers (WI)
2 - Ricky Ponting (AUS)

STAT:

91-ball 100 by Harry Brook is the third quickest by an England batter against India in Tests behind Jamie Smith (80 balls) and Ben Duckett (88 balls).

CENTURY!

Harry Brook brings up his 10th Test century — his first in the fourth innings. He guides Washington Sundar down to third man, runs two, and raises his bat to celebrate a hard-earned hundred. Brook removes his helmet and soaks in the applause from the crowd, acknowledging a landmark knock under pressure.

ENGLAND 285/3, need 89 runs to win vs INDIA

FOUR! Washington Sundar to Brook. The right hander guides the spinner towards long-off. Akash Deep is running. Poor fielding and it's a four. Brook is on 98 now.

FOUR! Poor delivery from Ravindra Jadeja and punished. It's a full toss. Root smashes the ball towards deep mid wicket fence. It's a one-handed shot from Root.

ENGLAND 279/3, need 95 runs to win

Joe Root takes a single off Ravindra Jadeja. The target is 100 runs now. A loud cheer and claps from the Oval crowd. The two batters - Root and Brook - have batted magnificently today.

FOUR! Half tracker from Jadeja. Brook's picked the gap! Brook smashes the ball towards mid-wicket. A couple of bounces and a boundary. 15-run partnership also comes up between Root and Brook.

ENGLAND 258/3, need 116 runs to win