India removes Duckett and Pope to maintain lead
The fourth day of the final Test at The Oval is in full swing, with England requiring a monumental effort to chase down India's formidable total of 477 runs. A victory for India would level the series at 2-2, while an England win would set a new record for the highest successful run chase at this venue.
At lunch, England found themselves 164 runs behind, with the loss of three wickets. Harry Brook, who was initially ruled out on 19 due to a catch in the deep, survived the decision after it was overturned due to Mohammed Siraj stepping on the boundary cushion. Brook, who drove Akash Deep over extra cover for a six, was still at the crease with a score of 38.
Captain Ben Stokes was not out at the crease, having scored 23, while Ollie Pope, who struck Krishna for three fours, was dismissed by Siraj, trapped lbw, leaving England at 106-3. Joe Root, who posted another half century in the previous match, taking his total to 54, was still at the crease.
India bowled with great discipline, regularly beating the outside edge of the bat. Prasidh Krishna, who dismissed Duckett with an outswinger that was edged to slip where KL Rahul caught the ball, was instrumental in keeping England's score in check.
The current record for the highest successful run chase in a Test match at The Oval is 263 runs, achieved by England against Australia in 1902. In the final Test against India at The Oval in 2025, England is required to chase 374 runs to win — a target that would set a new record for the highest successful run chase at this venue if they achieve it.
This chase of 374 would surpass the longstanding record of 263 at The Oval and also be England’s second-highest successful run chase in Test cricket overall, behind only their 378-run chase against India at Edgbaston in 2022 and just ahead of a recent 371 against India at Headingley (2024).
As the day progresses, the pressure on both teams is palpable. Will England manage to break the record and secure a historic win, or will India hold their nerve and clinch the series? The stage is set for an exciting finale at The Oval.
[1] Link to source 1 for the 378-run chase against India at Edgbaston in 2022 [2] Link to source 2 for the 371-run chase against India at Headingley (2024) [3] Link to source 3 for the record of the highest successful run chase at The Oval
Sports are at the forefront as England attempts a historic run chase of 374 against India at The Oval. This chase, if achieved, would surpass the longstanding record of 263 at The Oval and also be England's second-highest successful run chase in Test cricket overall, with their record-breaking 378-run chase against India at Edgbaston in 2022 being their highest.
