Oval Test, Day 4: Harry Brook, Joe Root partnership helps England inch closer to series victory

by

New Delhi: India struck early on Day 4 with two quick wickets to open up the contest, but Harry Brook’s counter-attacking century kept England in the hunt. His brisk 111 gave the hosts a surge of momentum, only for India to claw back just before Tea with his crucial dismissal. As the final session looms, England need just 60 runs to win the fifth Test at tea and take the series 3-1 but India with their tails up will believe they can still flip the script in what’s been a gripping battle at The Oval.

Joe Root, currently ranked the world’s top Test batter, remained solid on 88* while Jacob Bethell is unbeaten at the other end. As long as Root is at the crease, England will believe they can pull off the win.

Earlier, Indian pacer Mohammed Siraj removed acting captain Ollie Pope for 27 with a delivery that stayed low and jagged in sharply, trapping him lbw. With England in a spot of bother at 106 for 3, Harry Brook walked in and immediately took control. He along with Root stitched together a crucial 195-run partnership that not only steadied the innings but brought England right back into the contest.

More to follow…