The final day of the fifth Test between England and India is poised to be a thrilling encounter, with England needing just 35 runs to win and India requiring four wickets to level the series. The match, played at The Oval, has seen numerous twists and turns, leaving the series outcome hanging in the balance.

England closed Day 4 at 339/6, chasing a target of 374. Joe Root's magnificent century (105) and Harry Brook's impressive 111 propelled England. However, India fought back, taking crucial wickets late in the day to keep their hopes alive. Prasidh Krishna was the pick of the Indian bowlers, claiming three wickets. The hosts are aiming to finish the series with a 3-1 victory, mirroring their win in the opening Test at Headingley where they chased down 371.

The fourth day witnessed a captivating display of Test cricket, with momentum swinging between the two sides. Brook's counter-attacking innings shifted the pressure back onto India after the visitors made early inroads. Root, reaching his 39th Test century, became the first player to score 6000 runs in the World Test Championship. The Yorkshireman has been in tremendous form, also achieving the milestone of most Test hundreds at home, surpassing Ricky Ponting, Jacques Kallis and Mahela Jayawardene.

India's bowlers, Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna, bowled with great intensity in the final session, creating numerous chances and generating a sense of unease in the England camp. The dismissal of Jacob Bethell late in the day further boosted India's hopes. However, the visitors were left to rue missed opportunities, including a dropped catch by Akash Deep that could have changed the course of the match.

Joe Root's wicket towards the end of the day, edging a flick to the keeper off Krishna, added to the drama. With Jamie Smith and Jamie Overton at the crease when play was halted due to rain and bad light, England's fate hangs in the balance. The overnight pause gives Smith and the tailenders time to regroup, but they will face a fresh Indian attack with the second new ball just a few overs away.

England will be hoping that Smith can guide them home, while India will be aiming to exploit the conditions and pick up the remaining wickets. The possible participation of Chris Woakes, who dislocated his shoulder earlier in the Test, remains uncertain. The final day promises to be a gripping finale to a series filled with high drama and intense competition.