Harry Brook would be a fitting choice as England vice-captain - BUMBLE ON THE TEST
Day Four at The Oval surged with drama before the heavens intervened. Rain brought play to a halt as fans were denied a weekend finish, leaving the series hanging by a thread.
The star performers of the day were England’s Harry Brook and Joe Root, who stitched together a 195‑run partnership that swung momentum in the hosts’ favour. Brook departed just before tea, followed soon after by Root and Jacob Bethell.
With play called off at 339‑6, the match will resume on Monday with England needing just 35 runs - but the momentum has swung firmly back to India, who now need four wickets to salvage a series draw.
After a weather-impacted day in south London, Mail Sport delivers its latest edition of BUMBLE ON THE TEST.
A bit of whirlwind trivia
It was lovely to see Jimmy White at the Test with his grandson Ralphie Albert. Ralphie is in the Surrey academy and plays for England Under 19s. I love my snooker and Jimmy was the Whirlwind. Now here’s a little-known fact. For the 2005 Masters, he changed his name by deed poll to James Brown because he had a sponsorship deal with HP Sauce.
Day Four of England's final Test against India surged with drama before rain halted play
With play called off at 339‑6, the match will resume on Monday with England needing 35 runs
Mohammed Siraj is a cut above the rest and has been the best bowler this series by a distance
Siraj is cut above the rest
What a fabulous series for Mohammed Siraj. Whole-hearted, no-nonsense and a highly skilled bowler. Just look at the deliveries that did for Zak Crawley and Ollie Pope. An excellent yorker, then the scrambled seam, Jimmy Andersonstyle. Don’t let yesterday’s drop take away from anything. Siraj will finish as the leading wicket-taker in the series. He’s been the best bowler by a distance.
Brook should be No2
Michael Vaughan said he would prefer Brook to Pope as vice-captain, and I agree. Brook is assured of a place in this side and looks a leader. He would naturally feed off Ben Stokes. The simple fact is that Pope’s place in this side is vulnerable. His average in the fourth innings of Tests is 16.7 and for a No3 that is nowhere near enough.
Another law ignored...
Has the law relating to substitute fielders changed? It states that a substitute is only allowed when a fielder is injured or ill. Nowadays, players just walk off for a convenient rest or a shirt change. It’s a joke — another case of a law totally disregarded. The match referee could easily clamp down on it but I can’t see that happening.
Tykes' mystery man
Another day full of Yorkshire pride. They were fabulous tons from Brook and Root, two quality players who never look fazed, regardless of the situation. I can tell you that there’s another brilliant talent on the way from Yorkshire. He hasn’t played in the first team but keep an eye out. I’m not giving away any names just yet…
Harry Brook is assured of a place in this side, looks a leader, and deserves to be vice-captain
If Rohit Sharma or Virat Kohli were playing in this series for India, the score may look different
The break came at the right time for England because India were throwing the kitchen sink at them
India miss iconic duo
India have been very impressive over the series, but haven’t won the main moments. If Rohit Sharma or Virat Kohli were playing, the scoreline may look different. Certain players sniff out the big moments and are proactive rather than reactive. If India go down 3-1, they will think: ‘How on earth did we lose that?’
A time for heroes
The break came at the right time for England because India were throwing the kitchen sink at them, and, all of a sudden, the scoreboard stopped moving. Just to add to the drama today, the new ball is due in a few overs. Will India take it? What drama, what theatre. We’re set for a fitting end to a wonderful series. A time for heroes, indeed.
