IND vs ENG: Thrilling Fifth Test Hangs in the Balance as Bad Light Forces Early Stumps on Day 4

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IND vs ENG: A gripping final Test at The Oval is heading into a dramatic finale, as bad light and rain forced an early end to Day 4 between India and England. With the five-match Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy tied at 2-1, Monday's extended session (August 4) will determine whether England clinch the series or India square it at 2-2.

Chasing a formidable 374, England closed Day 4 on 339 for 6 - just 35 runs away from victory. India, however, still have a chance with four wickets to claim, especially with Chris Woakes unlikely to bat due to a shoulder injury. Woakes, seen with his arm in a sling, has effectively left England with only three wickets in hand.

Joe Root remained unbeaten on 98, steering England through a tense final phase alongside Jamie Smith (2*) before play was stopped for bad light. Jamie Overton (0*) had just walked in when the umpires decided it was unsafe to continue.

Earlier in the day, England's momentum was shaped by a blistering 195-run stand between Root and Harry Brook. Brook, known for his aggressive style, smashed 111 off 102 balls - his second century of the series - after arriving with England struggling at 106 for 3. His onslaught included 12 fours and 2 sixes, one of which came after Siraj accidentally stepped on the boundary rope, gifting Brook a life and six runs.

India struggled to contain the flow of runs. Spin was introduced late - Washington Sundar bowled only in the 43rd over when England were already 190 for 2. Ravindra Jadeja, too, couldn't make a breakthrough as England surged past 300.

India had earlier struck early blows, removing Crawley, Duckett and Pope, but the middle-order counterattack undid their advantage. Brook's dismissal - skying one with his bat flying out of his hands - came just before tea, but Root remained rock solid.

With the highest successful chase at The Oval being 263, England are on the brink of rewriting history. Day 5 promises an edge-of-the-seat climax to a pulsating series.