Sun Aug 03 12:30:00 UTC 2025: **India vs. England 5th Test: Day 4 Poised for Thrilling Finish as India Seek Series Draw**

**The Oval, London** – Day 4 of the fifth and final Test between India and England at The Oval is set for a nail-biting finish, with India needing 8 wickets to secure a series draw and England requiring 324 runs for victory.

England resumed their chase at 50/1, and reached 164/3 at Lunch, with Joe Root (23*) and Harry Brook (38*) at the crease, the duo counter-attacked to pull England back in the game after India picked two crucial wickets in the first session.

India made crucial breakthroughs early in the day, with Prasidh Krishna dismissing the well-set Ben Duckett (54) and Mohammed Siraj removing Ollie Pope for 27, his second dismissal of the match. The two early strikes rattled England and seized the momentum in the final innings.

However, Harry Brook’s aggressive counter-attack, including a lucky six when Mohammed Siraj stepped on the boundary rope while attempting a catch, shifted the momentum back towards England.

Earlier, on Day 3, Mohammed Siraj dismissed Zak Crawley with a perfect yorker on the final ball of the day, boosting India’s confidence.

Despite England’s history of successful chases against India, the pitch at The Oval is offering significant assistance to seam bowlers, favouring the Indian attack. India’s captain, Shubman Gill, will be looking for his bowlers to exploit these conditions and maintain consistent pressure.

The day is expected to be overcast, with little chance of rain, setting the stage for a full day of intense cricket.

**Key Battles to Watch:**

* **Joe Root vs. Indian Spinners:** Root’s experience in fourth-innings chases makes him a key wicket.
* **Harry Brook vs. Indian Pace Attack:** Brook’s counter-attacking style could quickly turn the game.
* **India’s Fielding:** Holding onto catches and minimizing errors will be crucial for India.

The highest successful fourth-innings chase at The Oval remains 263, achieved by Australia in 1902. England will need to rewrite history to secure a series win.

Cricket fans can expect a thrilling final day of Test cricket as both teams battle for supremacy at The Oval.

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