4th Test.

This was another fantastic Test match that had everything you’d want, other than an England win. It ebbed one way and then the other and contained classic duels between batsmen and bowlers.

We saw the return of Chris Woakes who was outstanding with both bat and ball. He immediately settled into a good line and length and soon had Rohit caught behind with one that lifted. He claimed four first innings wickets as India crumbled to 191 all out, with only Kholi and Thakur making half centuries.

In reply England were 62-5 at one stage , Bumrah and Yadav doing the bulk of the damage. The lower order then rallied with Pope making a vital 81 and a half century from Woakes. Having made 35, Ali was dismissed attempting to loft Jadeja over mid on , when perhaps he and England could have been more ruthless. However a 99 run lead was more than might have been expected earlier.

India batted far better second time around, while England’s bowlers toiled. It was definitely the best time to bat on a drying Oval pitch that offered little movement. India took full advantage. A match winning century from Rohit and 50’s from Pujara, Pant and Thakur gave India a total of 466 and 345 for England to chase.

While Burns and Hameed were compiling a century partnership on the 5th morning all three results were still possible. Then England collapsed from 120-2 to 147-6. The rest was inevitable as India’s bowlers ran rampant to give India victory by 157 runs.

It remains to be seen whether England will rotate their fast bowlers. Anderson and Robinson must be weary after all the overs they’ve bowled. Fresh arms and legs may prove vital if England are to level the series.