England on Verge of Historic Chase: Need 56 Runs to Win 5th Test Against India

England Need 56 Runs to Win: Live Updates from The Oval

The Oval, London – August 3, 2025 – England are just 56 runs away from a historic victory in the fifth Test against India, needing to chase down 374 to clinch the series 3-1. At Tea on Day 4, England were 317/4, with Joe Root unbeaten on 98 and debutant Jacob Bethell (1*) at the crease 46.

Key Moments from the Day So Far

1. Harry Brook’s Blazing Century (111 off 98 balls)

   • Brook smashed his 10th Test hundred, dominating India’s bowlers with 12 fours and 3 sixes.

   • His 195-run partnership with Root shifted momentum firmly in England’s favor 48.

2. Akash Deep’s Crucial Breakthrough

   • Brook was finally dismissed, miscuing a pull shot to Mohammed Siraj at cover off Akash Deep 4.

   • India briefly regained hope, but Root’s calm presence kept England on track.

3. Joe Root’s Masterclass (98 off 135 balls)*

   • Root is two runs away from his 39th Test century.

   • Played the perfect anchor, rotating strike and punishing loose deliveries 68.

4. India’s Bowling Struggles

   • Mohammed Siraj (2/91) and Akash Deep (1/73) toiled hard, but England’s batters capitalized on fatigue.

   • Six dropped catches in India’s innings proved costly 68.

What’s Next?

• Final Session: Play resumes at 4:30 PM BST (9:00 PM IST) after a brief rain delay 45.

• England’s Path to Victory:

  • Root needs 2 runs for his century.

  • Bethell, playing his first Test, must support Root.

  • If England win, this will be their second-highest successful Test chase (after 378 vs India, 2022) 8.

• India’s Last Hope:

  • Early wickets could turn the tide.

  • Siraj & Jadeja must strike with the old ball.

Series Context

• England lead 2-1 after wins at Headingley and Lord’s.

• A victory here would mark their first series win over India under Stokes-McCullum 6.

Live Scorecard (End of Tea, Day 4)

Bowling:

• Siraj: 21-3-91-2

• Akash Deep: 19-3-73-1

Final Verdict: England’s Game to Lose

With Root at the crease and just 56 needed, England are strong favorites. However, if India can remove Root early, a dramatic collapse could still unfold.