ENG vs IND [WATCH]: Prasidh Krishna breaks Ben Duckett’s resistance with crucial Day 4 strike in final Test

The fifth and final Test between England and India at The Oval, London, has evolved into a classic contest of grit, skill, and high stakes. With the series tantalizingly balanced, both teams entered Day 4 eyeing history: India set England a daunting target of 374, the highest ever chase at this venue, after amassing 224 and 396 across their two innings. England, who responded with 247 in their first dig, resumed with hope but aware of the challenge—requiring a monumental batting effort on a pitch showing signs of wear and nerves. The morning opened with anticipation as Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett strove to lay the foundation for a record chase, but the resilient Indian attack, unsettled by reverse swing and bounce, plotted for an early breakthrough.

Prasidh Krishna’s intervention ends Ben Duckett’s stay at the crease on Day 4

Duckett had been England’s bulwark, compiling a fluent 54 and weathering a searching spell from India’s seamers. He was tested by Mohammed Siraj’s probing outswingers, occasionally beaten and even struck painfully on the glove, but his composure at the crease offered England a glimmer of belief. Then came the turning point—Prasidh Krishna, returning for his second spell, struck gold in his very first over. Bowling at 141 kmph, Prasidh delivered a fifth-stump line that straightened just enough; Duckett, tempted into an adventurous extra-cover drive, could only manage a low edge. KL Rahul, stationed at second slip but crouched in front of first, pouched a sharp low catch on one knee, silencing the Oval crowd and sending Duckett on his way.

The wicket was the product of persistent planning and pressure. Both Siraj and debutant Akash Deep had kept Duckett in check with disciplined lines, denying him the free-flowing drives that characterize his best cricket. Duckett’s dismissal for 54, after 83 determined balls, was a hammer blow—his was the scalp that India knew could swing the pendulum decisively their way. With England 82/2, chasing a mammoth target, Krishna’s crucial strike was celebrated as a moment that broke local resistance at a vital juncture in the Test.

Here’s the video:

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Oval records loom large over England to win the series

The context could not be more daunting for England. To secure a series win, they must mount the highest-ever fourth-innings chase in The Oval’s storied history. By the time Duckett departed, the scoreboard read 87/2, with Ollie Pope and Joe Root left to shoulder the burden and still 287 runs required for victory. India, fueled by standout centuries from Yashasvi Jaiswal and a plucky all-round display from Akash Deep in their second innings, have placed themselves in pole position.

The session’s narrative is one of mounting pressure—each run contested in a cauldron of nerves, every wicket doubly precious as the game slips into its final strait. While England’s lineup still boasts firepower, the loss of Duckett suggests that only an act of exceptional application—or a seismic collapse from the visitors—will avert Indian triumph.

Also WATCH: Mohammed Siraj pulls off Cristiano Ronaldo’s ‘Siu’ celebration after cleaning up Zak Crawley in the Oval Test