The fourth day of the fifth and final Test at The Oval saw a dramatic turn of events, with the Indian pace attack staging a remarkable fightback against England, who were seemingly cruising towards a series-clinching victory. England ended the day at 339/6, needing just 35 more runs to win, but with India having clawed their way back into the contest by picking up crucial wickets late in the day, the match is set for a thrilling finish.
England began the day needing another 324 runs for victory, with nine wickets in hand. After losing Zak Crawley on the final ball of the previous day, England looked to build a strong foundation. Ben Duckett continued his aggressive approach, but Prasidh Krishna struck early, inducing an edge that was caught by KL Rahul. Mohammed Siraj, who had dismissed Crawley the previous evening, then removed Ollie Pope, further denting England's progress.
However, the game shifted dramatically with the arrival of Harry Brook. He, along with Joe Root, forged a formidable 195-run partnership, taking the wind out of India's sails. Brook, in particular, was aggressive, scoring a century off just 91 balls. During this period, Mohammed Siraj caught Brook off Krishna's bowling, but stepped on the boundary rope while completing the catch, giving Brook a major reprieve.
As England approached the finish line, India's hopes seemed to dwindle. However, the Indian pacers refused to surrender. Prasidh Krishna returned to dismiss Root for 105, injecting fresh life into the Indian camp. Siraj then followed up with another crucial wicket, increasing the pressure on the English batsmen. The two Jamies, Smith and Overton, found themselves under immense pressure as the runs dried up.
With the light fading and rain threatening, the tension reached its peak. Ultimately, bad light and rain forced an early halt to play, leaving the match hanging in the balance. England needs 35 runs, while India needs four wickets to level the series.
Several factors contributed to India's late resurgence. The sustained pressure from Siraj and Krishna proved crucial in dismissing the set batsmen and stifling the run flow. The deteriorating conditions, with bad light and a wearing pitch, also favored the bowlers. Despite the challenges, the Indian pacers displayed remarkable resilience and determination, earning praise for their efforts.
Mohammed Siraj, in particular, has been a standout performer throughout the series. Despite playing all five Tests and bowling a high number of overs, he has consistently delivered crucial wickets and maintained pressure on the opposition. Prasidh Krishna's crucial strikes also helped India get back into the game.
The final day promises to be a nail-biting affair. India will be looking to exploit the pressure on the English tailenders and secure the remaining wickets. England, on the other hand, will be hoping that Smith and Overton can hold their nerve and guide them to victory. The conditions will likely play a significant role, with the pitch expected to offer assistance to both seamers and spinners.
The IndianExpress noted the increasing tension as "Every ball [became] an event now," with the crowd's noise intensifying with each run.
Despite the fightback, some concerns remain for India. Akash Deep, who has struggled with fitness in the series, appeared to have picked up another injury. Whether he will be fit to bowl on the final day remains uncertain, potentially impacting India's bowling resources.
Regardless, the stage is set for a thrilling conclusion to the Test match and the series. The Indian pacers, despite the odds, have given their team a fighting chance, and fans can expect a captivating contest on the final day.
