The final match of the 5-match Test series between India and England is being held at 'The Oval' in London. This encounter has reached a thrilling juncture. Only the fifth day's (August 4) play remains. England is 35 runs away from victory, but only 4 wickets remain. Thus, either team could clinch the match.
At the close of play on day four, England's score was 339 for 6 in the second innings. Jamie Smith was unbeaten on 2, with Jamie Overton yet to score. Smith is a wicketkeeper-batsman, while Overton is a fast-bowling all-rounder. If India manages to dismiss these two early, the match could swing in their favour. Josh Tongue, Gus Atkinson, and Chris Woakes are capable of batting well, but Smith and Overton's wickets will be crucial for India.
On a positive note for India, the new ball is not far away. England has played 76.2 overs in their second innings. This means that after 80 overs, Indian captain Shubman Gill will have the option to take the new ball. Undoubtedly, Shubman will opt for it. The pitch remains conducive for bowlers, enhancing pace and bounce with the new ball, making taking wickets more straightforward. India has a formidable bowling attack that previously limited the English team to a low score in the first innings. With the new ball, fast bowlers like Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna can swiftly claim the remaining wickets.
Result Expected in the First Session!
Given the current scenario of the match, there's no scope for a draw. A result is anticipated in the first session of the fifth day. The weather in London today is favorable for play, with minimal chances of rain in the first session. The key question is which team will secure victory. Either England will score 35 runs to win, or India will take 4 wickets to claim victory. Alternatively, the match could result in a tie, a rare occurrence in Test history that has happened only twice.
If India wins this match, they will level the 5-match Test series at 2-2. England won the first match by 22 runs at the Headingley Cricket Ground in Leeds. Subsequently, India achieved a 336-run victory at the Edgbaston ground in Birmingham. England then bounced back to win the Lord's Test match by 22 runs. The match in Manchester between the two teams ended in a draw.
Brief Score of the Oval Test Match
India: First Innings - 224, Second Innings - 396 Target: 374 England: First Innings - 247, Second Innings - 339/6
