Root and Brook hit tons - but England face a cliffhanger

JOE Root and Harry Brook hit what looked to be series-clinching centuries in England's classic fifth Test decider before India stormed back to set up an agonising day five finish.

- By RORY DOLLARD

Facing a towering target of 374 at the Kia Oval, England looked to be home and dry on 301 for three but Brook (111) and Root (105) both stumbled with victory in sight.

Jacob Bethell also fell to a dreadful shot as they faltered to 339 for six when bad light and rain intervened - needing another 35 amid unbearable tension and increasingly unplayable bowling.

They had been all set to peel off perhaps the most audacious chase of the Bazball era, and the second highest in their history, with apparent ease when they fell foul of a nasty twist in the tale.

Jamie Smith and Jamie Overton will be the men at the frontline this morning, with the live prospect of Chris Woakes being needed to bat at number 11 with a badly dislocated shoulder.