England openers frustrate India, Oval Test heads towards thrilling finish

Gulf Today Report

Defiant England openers Rory Burns and Haseeb Hameed played resolute innings to give England a sound start against India on the penultimate day of the fourth Test on Sunday.

Both the opener kept Indian bowlers at bay and played out the whole session without losing a wicket to give England a hope for a record-breaking win.

England, who were set a daunting target of 368, were 77-0 at the close of the fourth day, needing another 291 runs for unlikely victory what would be the highest chase by the hosts to win a Test.

They have chased down a target of 362-9 against Australia in 2019, which remains their best performance in the fourth innings to win a match.

Going by the history, odds are still in India’s favour as no team has scored more runs in the fourth innings to win a Test at the Oval than England's 263-9 against Australia in 1902.

Earlier, India also showed great resilience to post a huge total of 466 after conceding vital lead of 99 runs in the first innings.

England had dismissed India for 199 and scored 298 in to take a lead of 99 runs.

Rohit Sharma set the tone for India with a century in the second innings, and others followed the suit as India started fancying their chances of a come-from-behind win before England openers pour cold water on their plans to leave the Test evenly poised.