India vs England day 4: Looking ahead to a thrilling finish, India will return on Day 5 at The Oval with a golden opportunity to level the series 2-2. Rain halted play late on Day 4 just as India tightened their grip on the match. With England still 35 runs away from the target and only four wickets in hand, the visitors will be eyeing a memorable finish and a share of the spoils in this fiercely contested series.
The turning point came late in the day when Prasidh Krishna sent Joe Root back to the pavilion after a fine century. Root’s calm and composed knock had taken England to the brink, but Krishna’s timely strike tilted the balance again in India’s favour.
Before the collapse, it was Harry Brook’s fearless century that had given England the upper hand. He attacked the Indian bowlers with flair, while Root anchored the innings at the other end. Together, they seemed to be running away with the game.
Akash Deep breaks key stand
Just when India needed it most, Akash Deep delivered by removing the well-set Brook. It was a big wicket, halting England’s surge and breathing life back into India’s bowling effort.
Mohammed Siraj, leading the attack in Bumrah’s absence, got Ollie Pope for the second time in the match. His sharp spell in the morning session helped India gain early control and kept the pressure on England’s top order.
Duckett departs, Krishna opens the door
England’s chase started to wobble when Prasidh Krishna dismissed Ben Duckett, who was beginning to settle. With Duckett gone, the experienced Root stepped in to rebuild the innings with Pope.
Siraj and Akash Deep were relentless early in the day, using the lively pitch and overcast conditions to trouble the batters. With enough movement on offer, the Indian quicks kept asking questions throughout the day.
The collapse had started the previous evening when Siraj cleaned up Zak Crawley with a brilliant yorker. A clever setup from Shubman Gill and Siraj’s execution gave India a perfect finish to Day 3.
Going into the final day, England need just 35 runs, but they’re down to their last four wickets. With the pitch still assisting bowlers and pressure mounting, India will fancy their chances, but cannot afford to slip.