Setting the Stage: Where Things Stood at Lunch & Tea
England resumed their chase of a lofty 374-run target, with early wickets falling to 106/3 the departure of stand‑in captain Ollie Pope adding to India’s hopes However, the momentum shifted dramatically as Harry Brook and Joe Root stitched a commanding partnership.
By tea, England had reached approximately 301/4, with Brook unbeaten on 111 and Root closing in on his own century, having rescued a precarious position alongside his Yorkshire teammate
Brook and Root: Centuries That Changed the Game
The duo combined for a 195-run partnership, turning the tide firmly in England’s favor. Brook reached his fourth Test century (111), while Joe Root notched his 39th Test ton (105) off just 137 deliveries, equalling Sunil Gavaskar’s record for most Test hundreds by an Indian batter Root’s knock came just before he edged behind off Prasidh Krishna soon after reaching triple figures
However, Brook’s dismissal (caught off Akash Deep) triggered a mini collapse: England lost 3 wickets for 36 runs, with Root himself falling moments later
India Fights Back: Seams and Missed Opportunities
India’s bowlers Prasidh Krishna, Akash Deep, and Mohammed Siraj mounted a spirited comeback. Krishna accounted for both Root and Bethell in a nine-ball burst, the latter after falling for just 5 runs
Then came a pivotal moment just before tea: Mohammed Siraj appeared to take a catch at long leg off Brook’s attempted pull. The catch was celebrated by India, but replays showed he had touched or stepped over the boundary rope thus ruled not out. Brook capitalized, ultimately making his century count even more painfully for India
Day Cut Short: Rain and Bad Light Play Spoilsport
As England neared the target, rain and poor light intervened. Play was halted at 17:03 GMT, with England poised at 339/6, needing just 35 runs with four wickets in hand. India needed four more wickets to level the series
Stumps were called under fading light, and covers came on soon after, ruling out further play on Day 4 despite the tantalizing finish
On‑Field Drama: Jaiswal’s Verbal Spats
Ordinarily a young, composed wicket‑keeper opener, Yashasvi Jaiswal stepped into the psychological arena. Earlier in Day 4, he taunted English batters Ben Duckett and Ollie Pope urging them to play aggressive strokes like sweeps and the reverse sweep, asserting this was not their game. These exchanges highlighted the raised temperature in what had become a fiercely competitive decider
Day 4 at a Glance: Key Moments & Stats
|
Event |
Details |
|
England lunchtime score |
~106/3 |
|
Brook & Root partnership |
195 runs for the 4th wicket |
|
Brook’s score |
111 – fourth Test century |
|
Root’s score |
105 – 39th Test ton |
|
India’s fightback |
Krishna and Deep claimed key wickets |
|
Siraj’s dropped catch |
Brook saved and punished heavily |
|
Stumps |
England 339/6, need 35 runs, 4 wickets in hand |
|
External conditions |
Rain and bad light stopped play |
What Day 4 Meant for Day 5
- England entered Day 5 with a clear path: just 35 runs required, four wickets in hand.
- India’s challenge: ball in hand and wicket-taking options Prasidh Krishna, Akash Deep, Mohammed Siraj held the key
- The dropped catch on Brook remained a talking point across media and pundits, doubly painful given how it changed the narrative.
- With the series level at 2–2, almost every ball on Day 5 promised decisive stakes for both sides.
Looking Ahead: Series Finale on Day 5
- India aimed to pull off one of their narrowest Test wins ever.
- England, in spite of Chris Woakes’ injury, prepared for a heroic last-ditch effort the English veteran was willing to bat with his arm in a sling if needed, as confirmed post-Day 5
- The weather remained a critical factor continuing cloud cover and scattered showers threatened to draw the match if not dealt with early on Day 5
Summary & Context
Day 4 ebbed and flowed: after early success, India ceded advantage through an imposing partnership, then clawed back via incisive bowling only to see England survive again thanks to Siraj’s dropped catch and limited conditions. The match ended with England tantalizingly within reach but short of the target England 339/6, need 35 runs to win, four wickets in hand. India held the initiative heading into the final day.
This setup made for a high-stakes finale: a possible bold chase or a historic Indian comeback. Fans and commentators anticipated drama, underlining elite Test cricket at its tense best.