The India vs England Test series for the inaugral Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy is set for a dramatic conclusion on the final day at The Oval. With England needing just 35 runs and India requiring four wickets, the match hangs in the balance, promising an electrifying finish to a fiercely contested series. England, chasing 374, were 339/6 when bad light halted play on Day 4, with Jamie Smith and Jamie Overton at the crease, Sampadak Express reports. India’s hopes rest on their pace attack, led by Mohammed Siraj, while England’s long tail of all-rounders keeps them in the hunt.
India’s Resilient Batting Sets the Stage
India’s second innings showcased their depth and determination. Yashasvi Jaiswal’s 118, his second century of the series, anchored the innings, while Akash Deep’s maiden Test fifty and Ravindra Jadeja’s 53 swelled India’s lead to 373. India’s batting resilience and some late heroics by Washington Sundar has kept them competitive despite England’s 2-1 series lead.
England’s Chase and Siraj’s Late Strike
England’s pursuit of 374 began confidently with Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett’s 50-run stand. However, Mohammed Siraj’s dramatic 84mph yorker dismissed Crawley in the final over of Day 3. However, Harry Brook’s 111 and Joe Root’s century had earlier put England in a strong position on day 4, but India’s pacers, led by Prasidh Krishna’s three wicket haul, struck back. The absence of Chris Woakes, sidelined by a shoulder injury, has weakened England’s bowling and batting depth, making the final day’s battle even more intense.
Key Players to Watch on Day 5
As the India vs England clash reaches its climax, all eyes are on Siraj, who has been India’s standout seamer, and England’s Jamie Smith, tasked with steering the chase. India’s ability to exploit the new ball, due in 3.4 overs, could be decisive. England, under Ollie Pope’s captaincy in Stokes’ absence, will rely on their betting depth to secure a historic 3-1 series win. This India vs England series clash has seen momentum swing dramatically. India’s fightback from 2-1 down, especially after a heroic draw in Manchester, has set up this nail-biting final day. England, led by Ollie Pope in Stokes’ absence, face a historic chase. A draw would be a triumph for India, while England aim for their first series win against a ‘Big Three’ opponent under Stokes and McCullum.
