Advantage England Heads into Final Day Against India

The Test match between England and India at The Oval is currently poised at a critical juncture, with England chasing a target of 374. The game has seen its fair share of twists and turns, and the fourth day was no exception.

Rain interrupted the evening session, momentarily halting the intense battle between the two teams. However, Sir Alastair Cook believes these delays are beneficial for England, calling them a "hammer blow" for India.

The shift in play occurred when Joe Root and Harry Brook established dominance, forming a 195-run partnership. Brook scored a century off just 91 balls, while Root added another feather to his cap with his 39th Test century.

However, the evening session saw England lose three key wickets, leaving their score at 339-6 at the end of the fourth day. Ben Duckett and Ollie Pope were dismissed by India's bowling, adding a sense of uncertainty to England's chase.

Despite the losses, Root remains confident in England's chances of securing a victory. He stated that a lot of things are in England's favour for the final day. His optimism is shared by many, with predictions suggesting an 84% likelihood of England winning the match.

Chris Woakes, who is dealing with a shoulder issue sustained during the match, is present in the dressing room and ready to bat if necessary. If he is unfit to bat, another player from England's squad will replace him, but the specific substitute player is not yet known.

The ongoing contest remains thrilling, with both teams aiming to secure a series win. A victory for England could boost their confidence heading into the Ashes series, adding an extra layer of significance to this already exciting match. The final day promises to be a nail-biting conclusion to what has been a riveting Test match.