Brook, Root tons have England on edge of famous win before late Indian fightback: 5th ...

Harry Brook and Joe Root struck superb fighting centuries to wrest back control on a day of fluctuating fortunes at The Oval on day 4.

England needed just 35 runs to win with India chasing 4 wickets when play ended early due to rain and bad light.

England began the day chasing a challenging 374, needing a monumental effort to clinch the series. After early setbacks—with Ben Duckett falling for 54 to Prasidh Krishna and Ollie Pope for 27 to Mohammed Siraj—Joe Root and Harry Brook rebuilt with a breathtaking 195‑run fourth-wicket partnership.

Harry Brook delivered a superb 111 off 98 balls—his tenth Test century—marked by aggressive strokes. Joe Root contributed a steady flow of runs with 105.

Late in the session, India swung momentum back. Prasidh Krishna dismissed Root for 105, drawing a sharp catch at slip. England slumped from 301 for 3 to 337 for 6,

India 224 (Nair 57, Atkinson 5-33, Tongue 3-57) & 396 (Jaiswal 118; Tongue 5-125) lead England 247 (Crawley 64; Krishna 4-62, Siraj 4-86) & 339-6 (Brook 111, Root 105) by 34 runs.

Aug 2025.