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Both sides will enjoy a well-earned break after a gruelling five-match series. England’s home Test summer is done. Next up, they host South Africa for three ODIs and three T20Is in September. Their next red-ball challenge will be the Ashes in Australia later this year. India, meanwhile, shift focus to the Asia Cup next month, followed by a home Test series against West Indies in October. That’s all from us for now, but there’s plenty of cricket to look forward to. The second Test between Zimbabwe and New Zealand begins Thursday, while the ODI series between West Indies and Pakistan starts Friday. On the domestic front, The Hundred kicks off Tuesday. Take care and goodbye!
Since the series has ended in a draw, both Shubman Gill and Ben Stokes will be awarded the Pataudi Medal. Before the presentation, the two skippers stand in front of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy for the customary photographs. Both sides had their 'what could have been' moments across the matches, so a drawn series feels just right. England were the favourites coming into this series and, having led 2-1, had two cracks at closing it out but couldn’t finish the job. India, with a new-look side and a young captain, have punched above their weight and will take great heart from this result.
The skipper of England, Ben Stokes, says it’s always difficult when you can’t actively participate in a game, but it was another hard-fought contest that went right down to Day 5. He reflects on what he calls an amazing series to be a part of and admits there's disappointment in not getting over the line. He says he his incredibly proud of his team and would have loved to win the series, but it just wasn’t meant to be. Stokes has high praise for Chris Woakes, saying there was never any question in Woakes’ mind about going out to bat. Adds that it just shows how much it means to these players to represent their country. He also acknowledges the fight shown by India and says he is sure Shubman Gill will be equally proud of how his team battled through. Mentions that India vs England is always a massive series, and emotions inevitably pour out once the game is on the line. Further says that it just shows the passion and desire of everyone who walks out to represent their country. Shares that he is really happy with how it went for him with the ball. Says that rehab starts now for him to get ready for the Ashes in November.
The Indian captain, Shubman Gill, is India's PLAYER OF THE SERIES, adjudged by England coach, Brendon McCullum. He collects the medal and a bottle of champagne from one of the dignitaries and walks up for a chat. He is all smiles and calls the series fantastic. Says every game went into the final day, which shows both sides came with their A-game. Adds that captaincy becomes much easier when you have bowlers like Siraj and Prasidh in the side. Says the way they responded was magnificent. Highlights that they were confident even on Day 4 despite being under the pump. Points that after a couple of wickets fell, they knew England were under pressure. On Siraj, he says he gave his all in every spell he bowled. On being asked whether a 2-2 scoreline reads fair, he agrees that it is a fair reflection and says it shows how passionate both sides were throughout the series. Calls his batting very rewarding and tells that his aim was to be the best batter in the series and feels satisfied to get there. Stresses that it is about sorting things out mentally and technique-wise as well. Says that the biggest learning for him in the last six weeks is to never give up.
Harry Brook is named England's PLAYER OF THE SERIES by India's coach Gautam Gambhir. Brook says they were feeling confident with two set batters at the crease and thought they could easily see it home. He adds that Siraj bowled exceptionally well and deserves all the success for the way he performed under pressure. Says that he expected the pitch to play a bit flatter, although the overcast conditions kept things challenging. He mentions he respects Siraj a lot and credits him for turning the game. Reflecting on Chris Woakes coming out to bat despite his injury, Brook says there was never any doubt that Woakes was going to bat. Calls it unfortunate not to cross the line but says that’s just how cricket goes. States that he felt things were going really well and, had they found a couple of big overs before he got out, the game could have been done there itself. Shares that his thought process was to score quickly and bring the target down to around 40.
Mohammed Siraj is the PLAYER OF THE MATCH for his outstanding performance, picking up 9 wickets in the game (4 in the first innings and 5 in the second). Dinesh Karthik is alongside him to assist with the translation. He says he feels really amazing, and everyone believed from Day 1 that they could win it. Says he kept his plans simple, to hit the right areas and wickets would fall as a bonus. Shares that when he woke in the morning, he believed that he could do it. Also shares that he downloaded a picture from Google, which said 'Believe'. On Brook’s dropped catch, he admits it was a turning point in the match. He concedes that had he taken it cleanly, the game wouldn’t have dragged on this long. He, then, appreciates Harry Brook for batting really well and then reflects on the heartbreak at Lord’s. Also shares that Ravindra Jadeja told him to back his instincts and remember his father and do it for him.
Time for the presentation ceremony...
At the start of Day 4, England needed 324 more runs for the win, and India managed to remove Ben Duckett and Ollie Pope in the first 75 minutes. But then the two centurions, Joe Root and Harry Brook, ground India to dust with a 195-run stand. Brook counter-attacked, and during that phase, a crucial moment came when Siraj accidentally stepped on the boundary cushions after taking the catch while Harry was on 19. After Lunch, Brook dialled it down, but England still piled on 153 runs in the afternoon session, leaving the visitors looking flat. After Tea, Prasidh Krishna struck twice in the space of nine balls, removing Bethell and Root, and belief began to grow in the Indian camp. Krishna and Siraj charged in with adrenaline and intensity, with every ball feeling like an event, until bad light and later rain brought the day’s play to an end.
Day 3 saw a drastic shift in conditions, with the surface no longer as green as it had been earlier. India dominated the morning session under bright skies, with nightwatchman Akash Deep going on to register his maiden Test fifty. Dropped on 20 and 40 on Day 2, Yashasvi Jaiswal made England pay by bringing up his second century of the series. To their credit, the hosts responded better in the afternoon session, chipping away at the wickets, with Josh Tongue eventually finishing with a five-wicket haul. However, their hopes of restricting India’s lead to under 350 were dashed by a late assault from Washington Sundar. In their pursuit of 374, England’s start wasn’t as rapid as usual but was steady nonetheless, until Zak Crawley fell in the final over of the day, allowing the tourists to finish Day 3 on a high.
Day 2 began with the English dominance in the morning session as they wrapped up India on 224, with Gus Atkinson completing his 5-fer. Coming to bat, Ben Duckett and Zak Crawley took the Indian seamers apart with a ferocious batting assault, adding 92 runs in no time. Both fell on either side of the Lunch break, triggering a collapse. Harry Brook kept the flame of the fight ignited from one end, but lacked a stable hand at the other end. Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna took four wickets each as England slipped from 129/1 to 247 all out, managing only a 23-run lead. In reply, India lost KL Rahul and Sai Sudharsan but Yashasvi Jaiswal stepped up with a brilliant fifty to take India 52 runs ahead by Stumps. England, though, were sloppy in the field as they dropped Jaiswal twice and Sudharsan was also offered a reprieve.
Going back to where it all started, for the fifth consecutive time in the series, England won the toss and, spotting a green surface under overcast skies, Ollie Pope opted to bowl. The opening day had a fragmented rhythm, with rain interruptions breaking the flow time and again. In the passages of play that did unfold, India managed to string together a few partnerships, and several batters got starts, but none could convert, thanks to Gus Atkinson’s disciplined spell that kept the scoring in check. Josh Tongue sprayed it around but stepped up with a couple of absolute jaffas, bagging two prized scalps. England suffered a setback as Chris Woakes walked off with a dislocated left shoulder, leaving them a bowler short. India’s top order crumbled early, and skipper Shubman Gill’s run-out only deepened the damage. But Karun Nair held firm, building steady alliances with Sai Sudharsan and, later, Washington Sundar to steer India to a respectable 204 for 6 at Stumps.
England came into the 25th day of the series needing 35 runs to win, while India required 4 wickets. Jamie Overton kicked things off with a couple of boundaries, the second a bit streaky but valuable all the same. But then Mohammed Siraj took over, removing both overnight batters, Jamie Smith and Jamie Overton. England’s hopes flickered through Gus Atkinson, and in between, Prasidh Krishna landed another crucial blow. Then, in a brave act, Chris Woakes walked out with his left arm in a sling. While he didn’t face a ball and struggled to run, his presence helped Atkinson bring England within one big hit of victory. But it wasn’t to be, as Siraj landed the final blow and sealed India's narrowest win in terms of runs in Tests.
KL Rahul is the next to have a chat. He says this win means everything. He reflects on the doubts surrounding Test cricket, the constant questions about its future, but says both teams answered it well. He admits that they were put under pressure at times but they fought in every game. Says 2-2 might be a draw, but feels that this will rank right at the top for Indian Test cricket. Mentions that not having the senior pros like Rohit, Virat and Ashwin in the side took them a couple of weeks to settle in. He feels that everyone asking him about the English conditions made him realise that he has stepped into a different role to guide the youngsters in the team. He is full of praise for Shubman Gill. Calls him a phenomenal captain who led from the front and showed immense character. He believes that Gill will take India to greater heights in the format.
The man of the moment for India, Mohammed Siraj is up for a chat with Dinesh Karthik. Siraj says he was just focusing on bowling in the right areas and was not too concerned if he conceded a boundary. Says his only aim was to pick wickets for his country. On being asked about Brook's dropped catch, he admits that he didn't think he would tread on the boundary after taking the catch. Calls it a match-changing moment as he mentions Brook went into a T20 mode. Reflects that they were well behind in the game after that dropped catch, but he kept believing in himself that he could turn the game from any point and feels happy to do it for his country.
There is nothing quite like Test cricket! India looked down and out on Day 4, but have risen from the ashes to pull off one of the greatest Test wins. England are left crestfallen. At 332 for 4, needing just 42 more, the game was theirs to lose and to fall short from there will sting. These two teams have delivered a series for the ages, and given how closely fought it was, 2-2 feels like a fair result.
The batters get together for a chat. Dhruv Jurel has taken off one glove this time.
Chris Woakes is grimacing in pain as he completes the second run. Walks over to his partner for a chat.
Usually, we have seen keepers taking one glove off, but Dhruv Jurel had both gloves on.
Does the field come up now? No, the field stays back.
Shubman Gill from the slips walks up to have a chat with Mohammed Siraj.
Akash Deep has pushed himself right on the long on fence. One extra man goes down to the deep mid-wicket boundary.
And here comes Chris Woakes. Quite remarkable scenes as Woakes walks out with his left arm tucked in a sling inside the sweater. The Oval crowd is up on its feet to welcome England's wounded warrior.
Gully is pushed back to deep third. Just the two men in the slip cordon then.
England will be disappointed because the batters had set off for a leg bye before the finger was raised but since it was given out, the ball became dead at that moment and the run will not count. In a game of fine margins like this, every run is vital.
India had a decision to make about the new ball. The current ball is still offering assistance and India are continuing with it.
Unbelievable scenes at The Oval. Here comes Josh Tongue with England needing 20 runs while India need 2 wickets.
Chris Woakes has been spotted in the dressing room in whites.
Gus Atkinson walks out to bat.
Gone? There was a noise but Kumar Dharmasena walks over to Ahsan Raza. He wants to check if the catch was clean. One replay is enough to confirm the fairness of the catch and the UltraEdge confirms the edge.
A bit of rain in the air.
No surprises as Mohammed Siraj will operate from the other end.
All in readiness for the final act of the series to commence. As expected, England opted for the heavy roller. The crowd has filled in nicely, not wanting to miss a moment. Shubman Gill has his players for one final huddle. Nasser Hussain mentions that Chris Woakes has been practising batting left-handed to protect his injured left shoulder. Prasidh Krishna is at the top of his mark and raring to go. Jamie Overton is on strike. Here we go!
PITCH REPORT - Deep Dasgupta informs that it is an overcast morning and reckons the surface still has something in it for the bowlers. He mentions that it will not be easy for the new batter. With the outfield being dry, he feels there is no danger of the ball getting wet if it travels outside the square.
Rain, rain, please stay away! Varun Aaron reports from The Oval that rain is expected around 10.45 am local time, about 15 minutes before the scheduled start, and could continue until around 12 to 12.30 pm. It is overcast at the moment but importantly, dry, and let’s hope it stays that way. Tickets are sold out for today, and usually in this part of the world, spectators are offered a refund if fewer than 15 overs are bowled. That will not be the case today, though, as there will be no refund if even a single ball is bowled - fair or unfair?
For the hosts, this pause could manifest as mounting anxiety or a welcome reset. With Jamie Smith still at the crease, England will believe this match remains theirs. But if this series has taught us anything, predicting Test cricket outcomes would be naive. So let us resist that temptation. Instead, let us prepare to watch, absorb, and treasure whatever precious moments remain of this remarkable series. The first ball of the series’ final act is not far away. Stay with us as history prepares to unfold in this ceaselessly chaotic contest.
Yet the mathematics remain stark. With 35 runs needed and four wickets in hand, and as mentioned by Root in the presser, that Woakes will come out to bat. The visitors wouldn’t have wanted to leave the field, especially after controlling those final 8-9 overs with clinical precision. But the rain arrived, splashing away their momentum. This overnight break might prove providence in disguise, offering weary bodies recovery time, particularly for someone like Mohammed Siraj, whose bowling has been powered by pure heart throughout this series.
But cricket rarely follows a linear path. Both batters departed within 36 runs, and suddenly India glimpsed a pathway back. England slipped from 301/3 to 337/6, and the contest shifted once again. India’s second surge came through sustained pressure that slowly suffocated. Just when their fuel tanks seemed empty, the pace trio detected cracks and drove through with renewed vigour. Runs dried up, the sweet spot went missing, and the ball veered enough. Post Brook’s dismissal, the Indian bowlers maintained discipline by targeting stumps with precision. Gradually, the rewards began to flow.
It’s not the mountain we conquer, but ourselves, and England climbed with a remarkable purpose. The foundation was laid by their batting order, or shall we say, Bazball in its most sublime expression. Still 268 runs adrift, Joe Root and Harry Brook embarked on what seemed the most audacious of missions. India appeared flat on the ground, with their resolve cracking under the relentless Yorkshire partnership that added 195 runs with unwavering intent, both scoring respective centuries.
Day 25. Dare we say, few would have imagined this Test reaching its final day, especially after the way the match has unfolded. Yet here we are, on the fifth day of the fifth and final Test. The Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, 2025, has produced a perfect advertisement for Test cricket. The patience, resilience, and extraordinary skill that have been on display have definitely elevated the series beyond mere statistics. This is cricket that leaves an indelible mark. A warm welcome to what promises to be a day that will echo through cricketing laurels.
... DAY 5, FIRST SESSION ...
Chris Woakes was spotted in his whites, sling on his left shoulder, and if it comes down to it, we might just see him walk out to bat. England will have the option of using the roller tomorrow, and they will surely go for the heavy one in an attempt to settle the surface before knocking off the remaining 35 runs. India had England under the pump when play was halted and would have loved to return this evening with their supporters right behind them. Still, the bowlers will now get a good night’s rest and return fresh for one final burst. A gripping finale to a gripping series awaits us on Monday, 4th August. The first ball will be bowled at 3.30 pm IST (10 am GMT). See you then. Cheers!
India struggled to create even a half-chance as the Yorkshire duo of master and apprentice went on to notch up centuries in a commanding 195-run stand. Brook fell while trying to cut loose after reaching his ton, but it was the departure of Jacob Bethell that truly injected life into the Indian camp. The sustained pressure from Siraj and Krishna eventually told on Root. From that point on, it felt like the middle of the bat had vanished. The two Jamies, Smith and Overton, were under immense pressure, and the runs dried up completely. India's bowlers tightened the screws, and suddenly, every run felt hard-earned. Just as the tension was peaking, bad light, followed by rain brought play to a halt, and we never got back on.
England came into Day 4 needing 324 runs, and Ben Duckett and Ollie Pope went through the first 40 minutes or so unscathed before India hit back to remove both of them. The arrival of Harry Brook changed the complexion of the game, with Mohammed Siraj accidentally trodding on the boundary cushion after taking Brook’s catch on 19, adding to it. Brook put India on the back foot and forced them into a defensive approach after lunch with more passive field settings. Credit to Harry for adapting well as he played the field smartly, rotating the strike with singles and twos.
Well, that was quick! The umpires have pulled the plug. It is STUMPS on Day 4. So, we will be going into the 25th day of the series with everything still to play for. Who would have thought this Test would go into Day 5 when Harry Brook and Joe Root were cruising towards victory earlier in the day? But that’s been the story of this series, twists and turns arriving when least expected.
UPDATE - 10.29 pm IST (4.59 pm GMT) - The match officials have put their umbrellas down, so it looks like the rain has stopped. There is still waterlogged on the covers, and the ground staff are waiting around the edges. Varun Aaron reports that conditions have brightened up, but the ground staff are yet to start removing the covers. Are they expecting another shower? Umpire Ahsan Raza has walked up to the English dressing room to update Ollie Pope and his men about the situation.
UPDATE - 10.24 pm IST (4.54 pm GMT) - It is down to a mizzle now but the ground staff have made their way out to the centre.
UPDATE - 10.20 pm IST (4.50 pm GMT) - The rain has eased a bit but it is still coming down. We are hearing that play must resume by 11.12 pm IST (5.42 pm GMT) to allow for any further action today. If it does, play can go on until 12 am IST (6.30 pm GMT).
UPDATE - 10.14 pm IST (4.44 pm GMT) - Pfft. Not pleasing news at all. It is raining heavily now in London. Hence, we might be in for a longer delay here. The side covers are also being brought in to protect the outfield now.
What a great advertisement this series has been for Test cricket. It’s the 24th day, and yet the energy and intensity haven’t dipped for a moment. This has been Test cricket at its absolute best. The ball hasn’t found the middle of the bat for several overs now. Earlier, Brook and Root made batting look effortless, but it’s been a different story for those who followed. Post the wickets of Brook and Root, anyone else on strike found it extremely difficult to settle in. The ball thudded into the pads countless times, with the pacers relentlessly targeting the stumps and getting considerable movement off the pitch and through the air. And now, with the new ball just 3.4 overs away, India would’ve wanted play to continue, especially after Root’s dismissal had them tightening the screws. For England, though, this break might just be the breather they needed to regroup and shake off the pressure.
Oh my goodness! The lightmeter is out! And the on-field umpires feel that the artificial light has taken over the natural light and it is not safe enough to continue. The players are being requested to go off the field now as the play has been halted due to BAD LIGHT! There were some spits and drops of rain as well, but it seems it is not that heavy. Maybe one needs a dark background to spot the raindrops. But as things stand, the white sheets of covers are being brought in by the ground staff. They place it on the pitch and the squares. But this doesn't look like a long delay, as the aerial visuals do show clear skies in the vicinity of the ground. Stay tuned for further updates.
Game stopped due to : Bad Light
Decision sent upstairs by the on-field umpires. Is that a bump ball on the way to the keeper? The Indians have appealed for a caught behind. UltraEdge comes up and the spike appears when the ball hits the ground first, with the bat fairly behind the ball. The third umpire says he has not got any conclusive evidence of the ball hitting the bottom of the bat. And NOT OUT loads up on the big screen.
Whoa! Jamie Overton pulled out at the last moment when Krishna was about to deliver. He points out some movement in the crowd, behind the bowler's arm, and bails out for the second time as well. Ready to continue finally...
Chris Woakes is seen in his whites in the English dressing room! Will he come out to bat? Not yet. Jamie Overton walks in at 8 for England.
Is that out? Looks very close and the Indians have gone upstairs to challenge the on-field decision. Nothing on UltraEdge, and the Ball Tracking projects the ball to miss the leg stump. NOT OUT!
Jamie Smith walks in at 7.
Prasidh Krishna (19-2-107-1) is back on. He replaces Akash Deep.
Siraj misses the run up. Walks back to reload.
Mohammed Siraj (21-3-91-2) to bowl from the other end.
Another attempt for a ball change from India. This time, Ravindra Jadeja hands the ball to Ahsan Raza, the on-field umpire. It cleanly passes through the ring and we are good to continue.
Well, it has considerably brightened up in London now as we welcome you all for the final session of the day. The umps and players make their way out to the middle. Joe Root, on 98, and Jacob Bethell walk out to resume with the bat. Akash Deep to begin the attack after Tea for India. England need 57 runs to win, India need 6 wickets. It is all set up for the final act. Here we go...
UPDATE - 8.51 pm IST (3.21 pm GMT) - Good news! The covers are coming off now and the stumps have also been erected. Joe Root and Jacob Bethell can be seen in the English dressing room, padded up and ready to get to the middle. As we speak, the ground staff are dragging the ropes across the outfield to clear up any lingering moisture.
UPDATE - 8.46 pm IST (3.16 pm GMT) - It seems that the drizzle has relented. But the pitch and the squares remain under covers for now. And the latest official word is that the play will resume at 9 pm IST (3.30 pm GMT).
... DAY 4, THIRD SESSION ...
The moment England’s target dipped below triple digits, there was a visible drop in energy from the Indian camp, shoulders slumped, the pace tapered off, and a few basic fielding errors crept in to compound their troubles. Gill looked increasingly out of ideas, with absolutely nothing falling in India’s favour. With pace back as the last roll of the dice, Akash Deep did finally manage to fish out Brook after a beast of a knock as the session crawled to its end. Post Brook's departure, there was a phase where the energy was back in the Indian camp and a couple of chances were created as well. But Root and Bethell coasted England through. With just 57 runs needed now, it is England's game to lose from here and India will need to produce something miraculous to turn the tide from here. The post-Tea session should be the final session of this series. Stick around.
Siraj’s heavy workload began to show, while Akash Deep struggled to make any impression in the afternoon. The pitch offered little, and apart from the odd ball that jagged back in sharply, there was no real menace. Krishna’s short-ball ploy fizzled out as the ball lost its bite with each passing over. Spin was called upon in tandem but India didn't get what they were desperately in search of. Brook mounted a spectacular hundred as England raced away to their target.
India’s hopes of chipping away at the wickets were firmly extinguished by Joe Root and Harry Brook, who stood tall after Lunch and gave the visitors no breathing space. Their partnership was built on the template of relentless strike rotation, as singles and twos flowed steadily, keeping the scoreboard ticking without ever resorting to risk. Brook, more measured than adventurous, didn’t chase anything extravagant, yet both batters found the boundary often enough to keep the pressure on. His pre-lunch counterattack had already nudged India into a defensive mindset, unsettling their lines and lengths. As the ball softened, batting became noticeably easier. Root brought up his fifty, and the stand soon went into triple figures.
SESSION SUMMARY - 28 Overs, 153 Runs, and 1 Wicket. It had started to drizzle before the final delivery of the session and it seems like the rain has just gotten a bit heavy now. The covers are brought in and placed on the pitch and the squares. Joe Root and Jacob Bethell sprint towards the English dressing room, protecting their bats. At the start of the day's play, we did mention that over the years, Bazball has made the cricketing world realise that they will go and hunt down the target of any might. And here they are, on the cusp of pulling off an absolute heist. The scars of Headingley are back in the Indian camp as the task has gotten much, much steeper than they would have expected.
Game stopped due to : Wet Ground Condition
Game stopped due to : Rain Stoppage
With two minutes remaining, this could well be the final over before Tea. Siraj to continue.
India were flat on the field before Brook's departure, but that wicket has brought back some voices behind the bat now.
Jacob Bethell is in at 6.
Akash Deep (16-2-65-0) returns for another spell. He replaces Washington Sundar.
Siraj is not quite pleased with the landing area. One of the members of the ground staff rushes out with a hammer to flatten it out. Meanwhile, Gill walks up to Siraj to have a detailed chat. Harry Brook helps himself with a banana and gulps some pickle juice as well. All good to continue now.
Mohammed Siraj (18-3-68-2) is called back into the attack. Perhaps Gill’s last roll of the dice in search of a breakthrough. He replaces Jadeja.
The ring is out again. The ball is handed to the on-field umpire Ahsan Raza. Meanwhile, the two English batters help themselves with some fluids. Gill's another attempt to change the ball does not work as the ball passes through the hoop comfortably.
Spin is brought in tandem now. Ravindra Jadeja (3-0-16-0) switches ends and replaces Prasidh Krishna.
It has started to drizzle now. But not that heavy as of now to halt the play. Given the position England find themselves in, they’ll be keen to stay out there as long as possible. On the other hand, India wouldn’t mind a brief interruption, as it will offer their pacers a much-needed breather.
Washington Sundar (2-0-9-0) is back on. He replaces Ravindra Jadeja.
DRINKS BREAK! It has been all England so far in the afternoon session and they are running away with the game. Harry Brook and Joe Root have looked at ease, and Brook’s assault before lunch has pushed India into a defensive mindset. From the very start of this session, the fields have been on the passive side, allowing England to rotate strike comfortably. Apart from a couple of deliveries that nipped back sharply, the surface has not offered much. India look flat in the field and will be hoping for a spark to turn things around. Shubman Gill turns to Ravindra Jadeja in search of a breakthrough.
Mohammed Siraj feels that the ball has gone out of shape and he takes it over to Kumar Dharmasena for a check. The ball has passed the test and we are good to go.
Mohammed Siraj pulls out of the run-up. He is not feeling comfortable wearing the brace and hands it over to Kumar Dharmasena. The lights are on at The Oval as it has gone dark.
A couple of members from the Indian medical staff are applying a brace on Siraj's left knee.
Shubman Gill was heard on the stump mic a couple of overs back asking Akash Deep whether he had taken the injection, suggesting that something might be troubling the pacer physically. Here's Deep back into the attack with Dhruv Jurel up to the stumps. 13-2-44-0 so far for Akash.
Time for spin. Here's Washington Sundar. A slip in place to start with.
Washington Sundar is going off the field. Narayan Jagadeesan replaces him on the park.
Mohammed Siraj (12-3-44-2) to steam in from the other end.
Welcome back for what promises to be another enthralling session, one that could well determine the fate of this Test. There is a bit of cloud cover as the Yorkshire pairing of Joe Root and Harry Brook stride out to the middle. Shubman Gill gathers his men in a huddle for some last words. Prasidh Krishna will kickstart proceedings with the ball for India. A slip and a gully in place for Brook. Let's play...
... DAY 4, SECOND SESSION ...
Brook’s counterpunch has shifted the pressure back on India after all the chatter around the bat early in the session. It has forced the visitors to rethink their plans, so this break will come as a welcome pause. Expect Root to play at his natural tempo while Brook continues to take his chances. India, however, will not mind him playing that way as it creates avenues for a wicket. There has been enough in the surface to trouble the batters and you are never really in as a batter here. Prasidh Krishna, hitting the deck hard, has looked threatening, as has Mohammed Siraj. They could well open the attack after lunch. When Shubman Gill decides to turn to spin will be an interesting call. Join us back at 6.10 pm IST (12.40 pm GMT) for the second session.
Joe Root was not at his fluent best at the crease, while Harry Brook took his time early on before launching a counterattack in typical fashion. He was offered a reprieve on 19, when Siraj stepped on the boundary cushions after completing the catch. In the three overs where Brook went on the offensive, England smashed 34 runs before a touch of serendipity brought the session to a close.
The tourists picked up right where they left off yesterday with disciplined bowling. A gripping battle unfolded between Ben Duckett and Mohammed Siraj, and though Siraj could not dismiss the left-hander himself, India's plan to make Duckett drive straight paid off. With that breakthrough, Prasidh Krishna grew in confidence and bowled well in tandem with Siraj. Siraj then removed Ollie Pope for the second time in the match, just as England were starting to build momentum.
SESSION SUMMARY - 24.1 overs, 114 runs and 2 wickets. An entertaining session with momentum swinging both ways and the honours just about even at the end of it. While India were up and about with the wickets of Ben Duckett and Ollie Pope, Harry Brook’s late assault has swung some momentum back England’s way.
Last over before lunch coming up.
Prasidh Krishna to continue. Mohammed Siraj is back on the park.
That should be it for Mohammed Siraj in this spell. Siraj is going off the field, possibly for a breather. Narayan Jagadeesan comes on as the substitute.
Harry Brook is in at number 5.
DRINKS BREAK! It's been a fascinating first hour of play at The Oval, with a proper tussle between bat and ball. Duckett and Pope began cautiously, navigating the early movement with care. Duckett, involved in a lively brawl with several plays and misses against Siraj, gradually found his rhythm and brought up a well-earned fifty. But the bowling change did the trick for India as Prasidh Krishna tempted him into a loose stroke and found the breakthrough. Krishna has looked sharp and with a bit of overcast conditions, the ball has just done enough mischief to keep the batters honest. However, England would be the happier side if they see through the remaining session without any loss of a wicket. We have enough time left in this Test and the pressure is more on the Indian side to pick up wickets. The tourists would be keen to get Root fished out before Lunch. Another gripping hour to follow.
England's finest, Joe Root, walks in at 4.
Prasidh Krishna (5-1-23-0) replaces Akash Deep from the Vauxhall End.
Akash Deep (5-1-15-0) to bowl from the other end.
We are in all readiness for Day 4 to commence at the Kennington Oval. Remember, today, like yesterday, the first session will last two hours, followed by two extended sessions later in the day. The umpires and players punctually make their way out to the middle. The Indians scatter out of the brief team huddle and take their respective positions. Ben Duckett, unbeaten on 34, is joined by the English captain, Ollie Pope, at the crease. Mohammed Siraj (3.5-1-11-1) to complete his remaining over. Here we go...
PITCH REPORT - Varun Aaron is pitchside. He says it is still a good batting wicket and does not see too many demons in the surface but expects some lateral movement and uneven bounce. Mentions that there are quite a few divots when bowling from the Pavilion End, especially around the fifth stump line, which could aid movement back into the right-handers, something Mohammed Siraj can exploit. Believes that accuracy will be key for the Indian bowlers.
The sun is out for the second day in a row at The Oval, so it should make for good batting conditions. England have used the heavy roller, which should keep the surface settled for the first half hour or so.
Yet, this is no time for comfort. England bat deep, and their linchpin, Joe Root, is still waiting in the wings. If there’s one thing Bazball has taught us over the years, it’s that this side doesn’t tiptoe toward targets. They hunt them down with intent and audacity. One thing’s clear. Indian bowlers need to bring their A-game today. The chase is on, and the first hour becomes very crucial from both teams’ perspectives. The one who dominates it, will hold the aces. Confidence meets conviction, and it is all set up beautifully in this final frontier. Stay tuned as the first ball of Day 4 is just around the corner.
Batting looked far more breathable on day three, with the morning sun offering some respite and the pitch easing up just enough. But as the clouds rolled in and the light dimmed, the ball began to whisper again. England, for the most part, navigated the climax of the day unscathed, thanks to another brisk opening stand from Crawley and Duckett. Just as the ghosts of Headingley began to stir and the momentum threatened to swing England’s way, the final over delivered a twist. Siraj’s searing yorker that couldn’t have come at a better time restored equilibrium in the contest.
The equations for both sides are crystal clear. England need 324 runs, another monumental chase that would demand resilience, precision, and a touch of audacity to carve their place in history once more. India, meanwhile, are eight incisive deliveries away from sealing a second straight triumph against England at The Oval. A venue where they tasted glory in 2021 by setting a near-identical target and winning with commanding authority. The hosts, however, arrive brimming with belief, riding the high of their Leeds masterclass.
The stakes are high and the margins razor-thin. The theme of the day, fittingly, is prevention. The hosts are determined to prevent a series draw and close out the summer with a statement win. The tourists, meanwhile, are desperate to prevent a series defeat, clinging to every opportunity to turn the tide. It’s been a contest where no inch has been ceded. The pitch has offered just enough to keep bowlers interested, while batters have had to earn their keep. And through it all, cricket has stayed true, raw, riveting, and relentlessly competitive.
Sunday feels like the end, even though there are technically two days left in this Test. England’s Test summer trudges toward its conclusion through a match that’s refused to behave. It’s been messy, unpredictable, and utterly gripping. The match sits perfectly balanced, and the tension’s about to reach breaking point. Welcome to the fourth day's coverage of what could be the defining day of this entire summer.
... DAY 4, FIRST SESSION ...
Well, if you look at the scores, they have progressively increased with each innings, and especially on Day 3, batting wasn’t as tough a task as it had been over the first two days. When India came out to bowl, the ball wasn’t doing plenty, but there was enough in the surface, particularly the bounce, to catch the English openers by surprise. India will hope that it does more come Day 4 and doesn’t ease out. England did hunt down 371 at Headingley, but that came on a much better surface. 374 has never been chased successfully in Tests at The Oval, so if Ollie Pope and Co. manage to pull it off, history will indeed be made. Day 4 might well be the final day of the series. The first ball will be bowled at 3.30 pm IST (10 am GMT), but as always, we will be with you early for the build-up. Until then, take care and goodbye!
England managed to strike in quick succession with the second new ball through Josh Tongue, and at that point, with nine down, India’s lead stood at 334. However, Washington Sundar launched an assault, racing to a 39-ball fifty and pushing the total well past 350. The tourists, who began the day with a 52-run lead, finished with a lead of 373, with Tongue finishing with a five-wicket haul.
The second session saw Jaiswal bring up his hundred, but it was also a phase of course correction from England. Having been a touch too short in the first session, the English pace attack adjusted their lengths well to reap the rewards. While the flurry of wickets the hosts were after did not materialise, by striking at regular intervals, they did not allow India to run away with the game.
Earlier, the day began under bright blue skies in stark contrast to the overcast conditions of the first two days. It was not just the picture overhead that had changed. The 22 yards had a different look too, with the greenish tinge giving way to a browner surface. That meant batting was not as challenging as before. Akash Deep cashed in during the morning session with a maiden Test fifty in a 107-run stand with Yashasvi Jaiswal.
A dramatic end to another captivating day of cricket! India finish on a high. The job was nearly done for England, but that late dent takes some shine off what was otherwise a steady start. The scoring from the openers wasn’t as brisk as they usually prefer, but to India's credit, they maintained disciplined lines and had well-thought-out in-out fields to cut down the boundaries. Ben Duckett took a nasty blow on the left hand and managed to hold firm, but his partner fell on what ended up being the last ball of the day.
Zak Crawley pulls out with Mohammed Siraj charging in. Looks like someone moved behind the bowler's arm.
We have 3 minutes left in the day and this should be the final over.
There are 8 minutes left in the day, so we should be able to squeeze in a couple more overs before stumps.
Halt! A nasty blow on the left hand for Ben Duckett. The physio is out to check on Duckett. The southpaw is ready to resume, or is he? Ben puts the gloves back on and grimaces in pain. Zak Crawley walks over to check on his partner. Duckett is now finally ready to resume.
Mohammed Siraj comes into the attack, replacing Prasidh Krishna.
Prasidh Krishna to operate from the other end.