Can Root and Brook Lead England to Victory Against India?
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Synopsis
As the clock ticks down in the 5th Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, Joe Root and Harry Brook's unbroken partnership puts England in a strong position at lunch. With 210 runs needed to secure the series, can they seal the deal against India? Dive into the thrilling action from The Oval!
Key Takeaways
- Joe Root and Harry Brook formed a strong partnership.
- England needs 210 runs to win the match.
- India requires six wickets for victory.
- Ben Duckett scored a vital 54 runs.
- Match remains poised for an exciting finish.
London, Aug 3 (NationPress) An unbroken 58-run partnership between Joe Root and Harry Brook propelled England to 164-3 in 34 overs at lunch against India on Day Four of the fifth Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy at The Oval here on Sunday.
This session saw England accumulate 114 runs with the loss of two wickets, as Brook and Root remained unbeaten on 38 and 23, respectively. Brook was nearly dismissed on 19 when Mohammed Siraj stumbled on the boundary rope.
The hosts now require 210 more runs to defeat India and clinch a 3-1 series victory. Conversely, India needs to claim six wickets (assuming injured Chris Woakes does not bat) to win the match and level the series at 2-2.
Starting from 50/1 in 13.5 overs, Ollie Pope struck two quick boundaries off Siraj, while Ben Duckett reached his fifty off 76 balls by edging the pacer to the right of gully for four. However, with Siraj and Akash Deep effectively containing Duckett, the left-handed opener struggled to find rhythm in his drives.
On the fourth ball of Prasidh Krishna, Duckett attempted a drive on a fuller delivery but edged to KL Rahul at second slip, departing for 54. Root had a shaky start as Siraj beat him twice on the outside edge, while Pope gained confidence, driving, whipping, and pulling Prasidh for three boundaries.
Just when it appeared Pope was on track for a significant score, Siraj struck again, trapping him lbw for 27 with a sharp delivery that kept low. The England skipper also wasted a review, which showed it would have hit middle stump.
Following this, Root executed two elegant drives off Prasidh for fours, while Brook edged a boundary off him before pulling and lofting Akash for a four and a six, respectively. Brook received a significant reprieve on 19 when Siraj, returning after a short break, took his catch in the deep off Prasidh, but inadvertently stepped on the boundary cushion, allowing six runs.
Brook continued his aggressive batting, cutting Prasidh for a four and then hitting him through cover for another boundary. The counterattack from him and Root has left spectators eagerly anticipating the match's outcome.
Brief scores:
India 224 and 396 in 88 overs lead England 247 and 164/3 in 38 overs (Ben Duckett 54, Harry Brook 38 not out; Mohammed Siraj 2-44, Prasidh Krishna 1-74) by 210 runs
Point of View
The ongoing match highlights the competitive spirit of both teams. England, under pressure, is showing resilience with Root and Brook at the crease. As the game unfolds, the focus remains on sportsmanship and the quest for glory in this highly anticipated series.
NationPress
08/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the score at lunch on Day Four?
At lunch on Day Four, England was at 164 for 3, needing 210 more runs to win.
Who played a significant role in England's innings?
Joe Root and Harry Brook formed a crucial partnership, contributing significantly to the score.
How many runs does England need to win?
England needs 210 more runs to secure a win against India.
What does India need to win the match?
India needs to take six wickets to win the match and level the series.
What were the brief scores of the match?
India scored 224 and 396, while England scored 247 and 164/3.
