On Saturday evening, England vs India 5th Test was set up for a dramatic finish. England were still 324 runs away from winning, with one wicket already lost. Coach Brendon McCullum gathered his team and shared one powerful message: “Dream the dream.”
He made it clear that victory wouldn’t come from one player alone. Partnerships would be key, just like in their previous two successful 370+ chases against India. With belief growing inside the dressing room, McCullum asked his players to believe in what seemed impossible.
Now, with just 35 runs needed to win the England vs India 5th Test, the dream is still alive. But with only four wickets left, the match remains wide open. Chris Woakes is likely to bat if needed, and the heavy roller might help calm nerves before the final day begins. However, England are now without Joe Root or Harry Brook—two players who carried the team through most of the fourth day.
READ MORE:
Root and Brook Keep the Dream Alive
The partnership between Root and Brook was the highlight of the England vs India 5th Test so far. From 106 for 3 to 337 for 6, their stand of 195 runs brought England back into the game. For over 55 overs, they controlled the match and made fans believe in a win.
Early in his innings, Brook was caught at the boundary on 19. But a small mistake from Siraj, who stepped on the boundary rope, gave Brook another chance. That moment changed everything in this England vs India 5th Test. Brook punished the bowlers from there, smashing Akash Deep over cover for six and reaching his 10th Test century in just 91 balls.
Brook’s shots were bold and fearless—even hitting over the slip cordon on purpose. While Brook took charge, Root played the anchor role, bringing calm and experience to the middle. He scored his 39th Test hundred, keeping England in the game and showing once again why he’s one of the best in the world.
The England vs India 5th Test saw a rare moment from Brook when he celebrated his century with emotion, yelling, pumping his fist, and raising both arms. It was more than just about runs. Brook had faced criticism earlier in the series and this knock helped silence doubters. His average for the series now stands at 53.44, with 481 runs.
Tense Finish Ahead for England
The drama in the England vs India 5th Test didn’t stop there. After Brook got out, Root continued the fight. He calmly pushed singles and kept the scoreboard ticking. His century came with a flick around the corner, followed by a tribute to his late mentor, Graham Thorpe. Root pulled out a white headband, wore it, and looked to the sky in honour of Thorpe at The Oval, his home ground.
Scoring a century in the England vs India 5th Test, played in Thorpe’s memory, added deep emotion to Root’s knock. It showed how much Root valued the influence Thorpe had on his career.
But then things changed again. Prasidh Krishna bowled a clever delivery to dismiss Root. Mohammed Siraj followed it with a sharp, aggressive spell, making the last 30 minutes of Day Four extremely tense for England. The crowd that had been cheering loud all day fell silent, as pressure returned to the English camp.
The lower order now carries the hopes of the team. In the England vs India 5th Test, the final day is set to be one of the most thrilling finishes in recent history. Only 35 runs are needed, but four wickets could fall quickly. Nerves will be high. Every ball will count.
Whether they sleep well or not, one thing is certain: the final day of the England vs India 5th Test will be unforgettable. This is what makes Test cricket magical, dreams, drama, and the fight to the very end.
SEE MORE:
