The day of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy’s grand finale is approaching. After weather forced early stumping on Day 4, the fifth game, like the first four Tests, has moved into the fifth day. It meant that India would need three runs (four if injured Chris Woakes bats) and England would need thirty-five runs to win the match on Monday’s last day at The Oval.
India vs. England 5th Test: Oval Finale Set for Nail-Biting Day 5
With the trend in this gripping Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, the fifth and final Test between India and England is on course for heart-stopping excitement on Day 5. Rain and poor light saw an early closure of Day 4 at The Oval, with England needing only 35 more runs to take the series 3-1, with India requiring four wickets (three, if Chris Woakes’s shoulder injury prevents him from batting) for a 2-2 draw.
By stumps of Day 4, England were at 339/6 with Jamie Smith on 2 and Jamie Overton now on 0. England had been well in control with centuries by Joe Root (105) and Harry Brook, setting the stage for India’s seamers Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna, who turned the tide of the match in ominous fashion towards the end. Prasidh’s double strikes post-Tea including the Key wicket of Root- breathed life back into the contest.
Former England paceman Stuart Broad was critical of the early end to play, asking why play was called off when conditions appeared to be improving. “Felt a lazy decision to call it off at 6pm,” he posted on X (formally Twitter), sharing in the frustration of countless fans.
Still 20 mins away from possible start time, everyone has their sunglasses on at the train station. Felt the supporters deserved to see a finish to that Test Match today. Felt a lazy decision to call it off at 6pm in my opinion. I wonder who makes it?
— Stuart Broad (@StuartBroad8) August 3, 2025
Siraj Axes for Indian Comeback, Bangar on Mental Edge
Mohammed Sirajof India has been the workhorse of the series by sending down in excess of 1,000 deliveries, and as the top wicket-taker with 20 scalps. His constant effort and the art of maintaining pressure have kept India alive in the contest. Expert Sanjay Bangar pointed out that, in the last session on Day 4, the batters of England were mentally disturbed by the Indian attack.
“This was the feeling that with every delivery a wicket could fall,” said Bangar during commentary. “When you’re really close to the finishing line, that’s when the mind starts playing tricks. That’s when India hit it hard.”
High drama is promised as India stands on the verge of a series-levelling win, while England can envision a 3-1 win. It is in the lap of the gods if weather permits a full session but if it does, cricket lovers all over the world are unified in hoping for a grand finale.
