LONDON — England captain Joe Root remains confident his side can chase down the 35 runs needed to secure a series victory against India on the final day of the fifth Test at The Oval, insisting there is "a lot in England's favour" heading into the decisive session.
Root, who scored a composed 91 in England's second innings, emphasized the depth of batting still available to the hosts. With Ben Stokes, Jonny Bairstow, and the lower order yet to bat, Root believes England are well-positioned to complete the chase and seal a 3-1 series win. "We’ve got plenty of batting left, and we’re in a strong position," he said in the post-day press conference.
England's Batting Depth a Key Factor
England ended Day 4 at 114/2, needing just 35 more runs to win, with Zak Crawley (73*) and nightwatchman Ollie Robinson (5*) at the crease. Root highlighted the team's resilience, particularly after India set a challenging target of 378. "The way we’ve approached this chase has been really positive, and we’ve put ourselves in a great position," he added.
Key factors working in England's favour include:
- A flat pitch offering minimal assistance to bowlers
- India’s depleted bowling attack, with Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami visibly fatigued
- England’s aggressive "Bazball" approach, which has consistently put pressure on India
Root’s Leadership and Form Crucial
Root’s own form has been instrumental in England’s resurgence. His 91 in the second innings followed a crucial 86* in the first, reinforcing his status as England’s most reliable batsman. "Joe’s been phenomenal," said head coach Brendon McCullum. "He’s led from the front, and his calmness under pressure has been a massive asset."
Despite a rare missed century, Root downplayed personal milestones, focusing instead on the team’s objective. "It’s not about individual scores; it’s about getting over the line tomorrow. We’ve worked hard for this, and we’re not going to let it slip now," he stated.
India’s Uphill Battle
India, meanwhile, face an uphill task to prevent England from completing the chase. Captain Rohit Sharma admitted his side needed early wickets on Day 5 to stay in contention. "We have to be disciplined and create chances. The first hour will be crucial," he said.
India’s hopes largely rest on Ravindra Jadeja and Ravi Ashwin exploiting any turn on the final-day pitch, but England’s aggressive approach has minimized their impact so far. With just 35 runs required, the visitors need a dramatic collapse to salvage a draw.
Conclusion: England on the Brink of History
If England complete the chase, it will mark their highest successful fourth-innings run chase at The Oval and one of their most significant Test victories in recent years. Root’s confidence reflects the team’s belief in their aggressive philosophy. "We’ve played fearless cricket, and that’s what’s got us here. Now it’s about finishing the job," he concluded.
With clear skies forecast for Day 5, England are overwhelming favourites to wrap up the series. The final session promises to be a thrilling conclusion to a hard-fought contest between two of Test cricket’s heavyweights.