England versus India 5th Test: Day 4 Highlights
Score at stumps
India 1st innings: 224
England 1st innings: 247
India 2nd innings: 396
England 2nd innings: 339/6
Day 4 of the 5th Test as marked by sensational ups and downs for both sides. India, defending a total of 396, began the day under pressure. England’s formidable chase, mounted via brilliant centuries from Joe Root (105) and Harry Brook (111), left India scrambling in the evening. A late fightback by Prasidh Krishna and Mohammed Siraj gave India hope. However, rain and fading light cut short the day, leaving England needing just 35 runs with four wickets in hand.
India’s morning and a momentum shift
India resumed with disciplined bowling in the morning. Krishna struck early, removing Ben Duckett (54) and then Ollie Pope leg-before-wicket (LBW) for 27 before lunch. England’s progress was limited to 106/3. The early surge from India gave the bowlers belief and slowed their opponent’s run chase heading into the break.
Root and Brook rescue drama
After lunch, Brook accelerated rapidly, scoring a blistering century (111 off 98 balls). It shifted the momentum back to England’s favour. Root lent solid support before scoring a century himself (105). The turning point of the day was Siraj dropping Brook on 19. The catch near the boundary may not have involved contact with the rope. Brook capitalised on his ‘life’.
India’s late resistance
India managed a fightback when Krishna struck twice in rapid succession. He first removed Jacob Bethell for 5 and claimed Root in the same over to rouse Indian hopes. Siraj added pressure with his bowling. He eventually grabbed two wickets as the evening progressed. England, at stumps, had faltered from 301/3 to 339/6.
Bad light
Play was halted prematurely because of fading light and later rain prompting criticism as conditions cleared soon after. India clearly had the momentum in the last 45 minutes and they were visibly unhappy to leave the field. Chris Woakes, carrying a shoulder injury, still remains available to bat last if required.
What to expect on day 5
England require 35 more runs to clinch the match and the series. India need four wickets to level the series 2–2. The final day promises to offer edge-of-the-seat drama.
