India vs England 5th Test 2025: The Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 2025 has delivered what could go down as one of the most thrilling Test series in cricket history, and the fifth and final match at Kennington Oval, London, is living up to that legacy. As Day 4 came to a dramatic close on August 3, England reached 339/6, chasing 374, needing just 35 more runs to seal a memorable series victory, while India must take the final four wickets in quick time to script a dramatic turnaround.
The match has turned into a run-fest and a battle of nerves, with centuries, collapses, and heroic fightbacks defining every session. From blistering hundreds by Joe Root and Harry Brook to a gritty counterattack by Yashasvi Jaiswal and tail-end fireworks from Akash Deep, this contest has it all—and it’s poised for a grandstand finish on Day 5.
Day 4: Root-Brook Shatter Indian Hopes, but Game Still Open
After being set a steep target of 374 runs, England began positively. The highlight of the day came from the bats of Joe Root (105) and Harry Brook (111), who combined skill with composure to deflate India’s bowling attack and build a massive partnership.
Their centuries not only kept England in the chase but also turned the tide in favor of the hosts. However, after both were dismissed in quick succession, India clawed back, thanks to Prasidh Krishna’s 3/109 and Mohammed Siraj’s 2 wickets. Still, with England ending Day 4 at 339/6, needing just 35 more runs with 4 wickets in hand, the match remains wide open.
India’s Second Innings: Jaiswal, Akash Deep Light Up Oval
India’s batting in the second innings was a stark contrast to their first-innings struggle. Yashasvi Jaiswal continued his golden run, scoring a fluent 118 off 164 balls, laced with 14 boundaries and 2 sixes. The biggest surprise came from fast bowler Akash Deep, who contributed a stunning 66 off 94 deliveries, showing grit and timing.
Ravindra Jadeja (53) and Washington Sundar (53) also chipped in with crucial fifties, ensuring India set England a challenging target. India ended with 396 all out in 88 overs, taking the match into thrilling territory.
For England, Josh Tongue emerged as the best bowler with 5/125 in 30 overs, while Gus Atkinson grabbed 3 wickets and Jamie Overton picked up 2.
England’s First Innings: Aggression & Advantage
England had earlier gained a small but critical first-innings lead of 23 runs, posting 247 in 51.2 overs, after bundling India out for 224. They started the innings with aggression, as Zak Crawley smashed 64 runs off just 61 balls, and Ben Duckett added a quickfire 43 off 38.
Harry Brook (53) and Joe Root (29) steadied the middle order, while Ollie Pope added 22. England’s top-order partnerships ensured momentum stayed with them early in the game.
India’s bowlers did fight back. Mohammed Siraj (4/86) and Prasidh Krishna (4/68) ran through the lower order to keep India alive. Akash Deep picked up one wicket, while Ravindra Jadeja went wicketless.
India’s First Innings: A Shaky Start
India’s problems began right from the start of the Test match, as they were bowled out for 224 in 69.4 overs in the first innings. Yashasvi Jaiswal departed early for just 2 runs, while KL Rahul (14), Shubman Gill (21), and Sai Sudharsan (38) couldn’t convert their starts.
The biggest contribution came from Karun Nair, who scored a fighting 57 off 109 balls, hitting 8 fours. However, wickets kept falling at regular intervals, and India failed to post a competitive total.
Gus Atkinson led the English bowling with a fiery spell of 5/63, while Josh Tongue supported with 3/57. Chris Woakes picked up one wicket. England’s disciplined bowling ensured they went into the second innings with the upper hand.
Score Summary at End of Day 4:
India 1st Innings: 224 all out (69.4 overs)
England 1st Innings: 247 all out (51.2 overs)
India 2nd Innings: 396 all out (88 overs)
England 2nd Innings: 339/6 (76.2 overs) | Need 35 runs to win
What to Expect on Day 5: All Eyes on the Final Morning
With 35 runs to get and 4 wickets in hand, England are inching closer to a historic series win. But India will look to mount one final charge with the new ball and hope for a collapse. The pitch has slowed down but is still offering bounce and a hint of reverse swing.
If India can pull off a miracle, it would go down as one of the greatest Test wins in recent memory. If England chase it down, it’ll be a fitting end to a fiercely fought series that has had everything—from collapses to counterattacks, drama to dominance.
The India vs England 2025 Test series has already cemented itself as an instant classic. The fifth Test at The Oval has everything fans could ask for—tension, centuries, brilliant bowling, and a nail-biting finish. As both teams walk out on Day 5, millions will be watching what could become one of the most iconic final days in Test cricket history.
