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Brook and Root help England close in on series win

Brook and Root help England close in on series win

India vs England 5th Test: Joe Root's solid 39th Test century put England close to achieving the target against India at The Oval. Root & Brook's century played a crucial role in England's ongoing chase. England need 35 more runs to win the series 3-1, where India need 4 wickets to level the series 2-2.

On a day when India seemed ready to take control of the fifth Test, England’s middle-order pair, Harry Brook and Joe Root, changed the story with their mix of aggressive play and calm determination. Their impressive 195-run partnership not only boosted England’s chances but also put them in a strong position to win the series 3-1.
The day began with India in command. Brook walked in with England needing a daunting 268 runs a scenario that could have easily deflated a less confident side. But instead of nerves, Brook brought fireworks. His knock of 100 off just 91 deliveries wasn’t just rapid it was fearless and brilliant, marked by intent and attitude.
His moment of fortune came before lunch, miscuing a pull shot to Mohammed Siraj at long leg. Siraj caught it cleanly but unknowingly trod on the boundary rope's advertising board turning a dismissal into a boundary. The reprieve only emboldened Brook further, as he raced to 38 off 30 balls by lunch, taking the attack to India’s seamers with bold flicks, pulls, and audacious drives.
After the break, Brook kept the momentum flowing. One moment that captured his innings perfectly was an outside edge off Prasidh Krishna that flew between slip and gully not textbook, but effective. He took advantage of the scattered field and punished any length too short, especially through the leg side. While he wasn’t flawless occasionally riding his luck his intent was unwavering.
When Brook reached his century with a hard-run two, the celebration was anything but reserved. He pumped his fists, swung his bat in triumph, and let out a roar of relief and pride. It was his tenth Test century and his first in a fourth innings chase a milestone etched in character and drama. His innings ended soon after, attempting an extravagant shot off Akash Deep, but by then, the momentum had irreversibly shifted.
At the other end, Joe Root played the perfect partner steady, assured, and occasionally flamboyant. While Brook was the storm, Root was the anchor, threading singles and capitalizing on loose deliveries. He wasn’t without flair either: a straight drive over Jadeja’s head and a high full toss swung over midwicket showcased his attacking instincts. India tried everything, including a review for LBW when Root was on 88, but the former skipper responded with back-to-back boundaries that took him to 98.
India’s bowlers toiled relentlessly, with Siraj bending his back for 17.1 overs across two sessions, and Akash Deep pushing through exhaustion. Yet, nothing stuck. Deep’s misfortune summed up the day kicking a ball over the boundary instead of stopping it, and slipping as a caught-and-bowled chance came his way.
What had started as India’s day ended with England’s dominance. Brook’s blitz and Root’s composure not only turned the tide but also put England tantalizingly close to sealing the series. If Day 4 belonged to India, Day 5 was a tale of English grit, flair, and a partnership to remember.

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