England needs 35 more runs to beat India as 5th test thriller goes to the last day

By Canadian Press on August 3, 2025.

LONDON (AP) — It’s gonna be a Monday morning thriller to decide the cricket series between England and India after bad light and rain forced an early end to play in the fifth and final test on Sunday with England needing another 35 runs to win.

England was 339-6 at stumps on day four, chasing a target of 374. England leads the series 2-1.

India needs to claim another four wickets — perhaps three — for victory and tie the series.

England has potentially only three wickets left because of allrounder Chris Woakes’ shoulder injury. Woakes was seen in his cricket whites at the Oval on Sunday but with his left arm in a sling amid speculation he would come out at No. 11 if needed and bat one-handed.

Joe Root was again England’s savior on Sunday with 105 runs, and Harry Brook hit 111, as England aimed to pull off another awe-inspiring run chase.

Wicketkeeper Jamie Smith (2 not out) and bowler Jamie Overton (0 not out) are at the crease.

England chased down 371 in the Leeds opener, its record run chase at Headingley.

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AP cricket: https://apnews.com/hub/cricket

The Associated Press