England and India created combined history as the two teams posted their 14th 300-plus total in the series – the most in a single Test series in the history of the format – equalling a record from the 1928-29 Ashes and surpassing the 1975-76 series record set by Australia and the West Indies.
The landmark moment came when England crossed the 300-run mark in their second innings at The Oval, with Harry Brook dispatching a boundary off Akash Deep in the 63rd over, as they looked poised for a thrilling chase against India.
After England lost Zak Crawley on Day 3 and the wickets of Ben Duckett and Ollie Pope on Day 4, they fought back, riding on a 205-run partnership between Brook and Joe Root. Both batters went on to slam hundreds as England ended the day on 339 for 6, needing just 35 runs to win the Test. India face a daunting task, as they need to take four wickets to have a chance to win the match and level the series.
In the five-match Test series, starting July 20 at Headingley, Leeds, both India and England scored 300-plus totals in all four innings. In the Edgbaston Test, three 300-plus totals were scored by the two teams. At Manchester and The Oval, both teams scored one 300-plus total each.
In the 1928-29 Ashes series Down Under, which England won 4-1, the same number of 300-plus totals were scored by both England and Australia. India and England, however, went past 1975-76 record set by Australia and the West Indies. However, the original record remains unbroken.
Meanwhile, Day 5 of the Oval Test is set for a thrilling finish, with India needing three wickets. Jamie Smith (2 not out) and Jamie Overton (0 not out) are currently at the crease. However, as Chris Woakes’ chances of coming out to bat are slim due to a shoulder injury he suffered on Day 1 of the Test, India still stand a chance to win.