England need 35 runs, India need a spark

Centurions Brook and Root's 195-run stand almost takes the Oval Test away but Indian bowlers strike late to take game into Day 5

- Somshuvra Laha

The wheels seemed to be coming off when Akash Deep tried stopping Harry Brook's drive with his feet and ended up kicking into the ropes for a four.

A ball later, Brook raced to a hundred that should have been curtailed at 19 but for Mohammed Siraj stepping on the ropes after catching him at long leg.

Tired legs and tired minds translated to a tired defence of 373. Unimaginative as well, considering spin was held back till the 43rd over, and when it did come into effect there were no close-in fielders to press home the message that India meant business.

Brook had scented blood by then. He smashed a 91-ball hundred, his 10th in Tests, added a swift 195 for the fourth wicket with Joe Root, who then scored his 39th Test hundred and was all set for glory. Till Jacob Bethel chopped Prasidh Krishna onto his stumps.

Two overs later, Root was sent back by Krishna, this time by a back of the length ball that he tried to steer on his back foot but ended up guiding to the outstretched hands of Dhruv Jurel. England were coasting but India were still not ready to throw in the towel.

That and the timely intervention of the fickle English weather meant the fifth and final Test at the Oval would head to a fifth day with the hosts needing 35 runs and India four wickets.