India’s seamers had no answers to Brook and Root during their astonishing partnership, with Brook’s counter-attacking knock taking all of the momentum after the tourists had removed Ben Duckett and Ollie Pope early in the day.
But they looked a different side, understandably, when both had departed. Mohammed Siraj charged in as usual and Prasidh Krishna consistently hit a probing length to unsettle England’s middle order.
Jacob Bethell was bowled by Krishna for a scratchy five from 31 balls, Overton and Smith could barely get the ball off the square and the delay – initially for bad light and then for rain – halted India’s sudden and unlikely charge for victory.
“It [the delay] benefits England massively,” said former England captain Sir Alastair Cook on BBC Test Match Special.
“It is a hammer blow for India. The atmosphere would have been unbelievable for India tonight. They were so on top, the only way England could get a run away was a leg-bye.”
But WinViz has England as heavy favourites with an 84% chance of victory which would see them take a 3-1 series win and an enormous confidence boost into the winter’s Ashes.
“I think England will get over the line and I think Jamie Smith will do the job. I am hoping Chris Woakes doesn’t have to walk out there,” said former captain Michael Vaughan.
