(Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail)
Rain Halts England’s Epic Run Chase Against India in Oval Test Thriller
August 4, 2025 – The Oval, London
An epic final day awaits as England stands just 35 runs away from a historic victory over India in the fifth and final Test at The Oval—only for bad light and torrential rain to bring an early end to a dramatic fourth day.
🌧️ Weather Intervenes in High-Stakes Test
England was closing in on a record-breaking run chase when the weather turned, leaving fans and players on edge. The match was halted with England at 339/6, needing just 35 more runs to seal a memorable 3-1 series win.
💥 Brook and Root Lead the Charge
The day belonged to Harry Brook and Joe Root, who shared a magnificent 195-run partnership for the fourth wicket. Brook dazzled with a brilliant 111 off 91 balls, his 10th Test century, while Root remained composed and reached his 39th Test ton.
Brook’s innings included 12 fours and 2 sixes, as he punished the Indian bowlers for an earlier missed opportunity when Mohammed Siraj stepped on the boundary after catching him.
⚡ Late Drama Sparks Indian Comeback
Despite England’s dominant position, India found a way back into the game. Brook perished to a mistimed shot, followed by Jacob Bethell (5) and Root (100), who edged a catch off Prasidh Krishna, sparking wild celebrations from the Indian side.
With England suddenly under pressure, Jamie Smith and Jamie Overton struggled to steady the innings amid frenzied appeals from India.
⛈️ Bad Light and Rain Stop Play
Just as the match reached peak tension, umpires stopped play due to poor visibility. Moments later, heavy rain rendered conditions unplayable, robbing fans of a dramatic finish.
🏆 Series on the Line
England will resume on Day 5 at 339-6, with Chris Woakes unlikely to bat due to a broken shoulder. India now holds a slim chance of turning the match around and leveling the five-match series at 2-2.
Earlier in the day, India had removed Ben Duckett (54) and Ollie Pope (27) in a strong morning session. But Brook and Root’s counterattack shifted the momentum before weather halted the charge.
📊 Did You Know?
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The highest successful run chase at The Oval is 263/9, set by England against Australia in 1902.
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England’s target in this match is 374 runs, a potential new Oval record if they cross the finish line.
📰 Stay Tuned
Cricket fans around the world now wait anxiously for Day 5. Will England script history, or will India pull off a stunning comeback?
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