London, August 3, 2025 – The final Test between England and India at The Oval is set for a thrilling climax as Day 4 ended with England needing just 35 runs and India requiring four wickets.
With the series hanging in the balance, the Oval Test has delivered another gripping chapter of high-quality Test cricket.
England began Day 4 chasing a daunting 324-run target. Openers Ben Duckett and Ollie Pope showed early resistance, but India struck back swiftly to remove both. Harry Brook then walked in and shifted the momentum with an impactful innings. A dropped catch due to Mohammed Siraj stepping on the boundary cushion gave Brook a reprieve on 19, and he made full use of it, stitching a brilliant 195-run stand with Joe Root.
Brook’s dismissal after reaching his century slowed the innings, but it was Jacob Bethell’s wicket that truly reignited Indian hopes. The pressure mounted with Jasprit Bumrah and Prasidh Krishna bowling fiery spells, and England’s middle-order batters struggled to find the middle of the bat. The ball beat the bat consistently, and boundaries dried up. Every run became precious as India’s bowlers kept the intensity high.
Just as the tension was peaking, bad light and intermittent rain brought a halt to play. Multiple updates from the ground pointed to rain easing but with covers still in place and uncertainty looming. The umpires eventually called stumps, bringing Day 4 of the Oval Test to an end, and setting the stage for a dramatic final day.
Chris Woakes, nursing an injury, was seen in his whites with a sling on his shoulder—hinting he might bat if needed. England will have the chance to use the heavy roller to flatten the pitch before chasing the final 35 runs. Play will resume at 10:00 am GMT (3:30 pm IST) on Monday, August 4.
Despite England’s earlier dominance with Brook and Root cruising, the last hour flipped the match on its head. After their dismissals, India seized control and almost clawed their way back into the contest. With the new ball due in just 3.4 overs, India would have preferred play to continue. But this interruption could be just what England needs to reset and compose themselves for the final push.
The Oval Test has lived up to every expectation, showcasing the drama, momentum shifts, and passion that define Test cricket. As Day 5 dawns, both sides stand a chance to clinch victory in what could be a fitting finale to a memorable series.