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Bad light brought an abrupt halt to a gripping Day 4 of the fifth Test at The Oval, just as momentum appeared to be swinging back toward India. England were 339 for 6 after 76 overs, needing just 35 more runs to complete a record chase of 374 and seal the series 3-1. With the covers coming on and players walking off, the Test remains tantalisingly poised heading into what promises to be a dramatic final day.
After Tea, India mounted a spirited fightback in the final session, led by Prasidh Krishna, who turned the tide with two key wickets in two overs. He removed centurion Joe Root and debutant Jacob Bethell in quick succession, reinvigorating India’s hopes of pulling off a remarkable comeback victory.
Root, who compiled a measured 110, fell shortly after reaching his century, ending a crucial 141-run stand with Harry Brook. Bethell followed soon after, edging behind as India seized the momentum late in the day.
Earlier, Brook was handed a reprieve when Mohammed Siraj misjudged a catch at the boundary, stepping onto the rope and turning a dismissal into six runs. Brook capitalised on the lifeline in ruthless fashion, hammering a 98-ball 111 in a counter-attacking innings that kept England on course.
India, led by stand-in skipper Shubman Gill, looked under pressure for large parts of the day, but refused to wilt. With overcast conditions aiding their seamers, and Prasidh delivering a clutch spell under fading light, India clawed their way back into contention.
As things stand, England require 35 more runs with four wickets in hand, while India need to strike swiftly when play resumes, assuming the weather and light allow it.
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