Brook hits 91-ball century, 3rd-fastest by England batter vs India in Tests

Harry Brook scored his 10th Test hundred in the 5th Test between England and India as the batter helps the hosts deflate India;s momentum on Day 4 and take the side to victory on the day.  Brook's 91-ball hundred is also the 3rd fastest hundred for England cricket team against India in Test cricket. He is only behind Jamie Smith (80 balls) and Ben Duckett (88 balls).  Brook was later dismissed by Siraj at 111 runs with the ball travelling just short of a good length around off-stump. Brook advanced down the pitch, backing away to create space. Aiming to loft it over the covers, he ended up slicing the ball high into the off-side. In the process, his bat slipped out of his hands and flew toward the leg side, while the ball sailed in the opposite direction.  Siraj, stationed at mid-off, who had earlier dropped Brook on 19, moved to his left and safely held on to the catch this time. Brook departs to a standing ovation, having played a game-changing knock, but now it’s India’s job to engineer an unlikely turnaround.   

 Match shifts to final day due to rain 

Day 4 of the 5th Test between England and India at The Oval was interrupted by heavy rain during the 77th over, leaving England just 35 runs away from clinching victory and a 3-1 series triumph. The match will now stretch into a decisive final day, with Jamie Smith and Jamie Overton at the crease and India holding onto a faint hope after picking up two late wickets.

 

Earlier, England looked in complete control, reaching 317/4 by tea thanks to a blistering 111 from Harry Brook and a composed innings from Joe Root, who notched his 67th Test fifty. Their 195-run partnership turned the game heavily in England’s favour. India’s bowlers, led by Siraj and Prasidh Krishna, showed flashes of brilliance but lacked consistency. Siraj removed Duckett and Pope, but Root’s calm presence and Brook’s counterattack ensured England stayed ahead. Rain has delayed the inevitable, setting up a tense finish on Day 5.