India and England have created history in the ongoing Test series by equaling a 96-year-old record of most 300-plus team totals in a single series. During the fifth Test at The Oval in London, England crossed the 300-run mark in their second innings, bringing the total number of 300+ innings in this series to 14.
This achievement matches the record set in the 1928-29 Ashes series and goes one better than the 1975-76 series between Australia and the West Indies. The milestone was reached when Harry Brook hit a boundary off Akash Deep in the 63rd over. At that point, England stood at 317/4 at tea, requiring only 57 more runs to win the match and seal the series.
The fifth Test has continued the trend of high scores seen throughout the series, with both teams consistently posting strong totals. In the first Test at Leeds, all four innings crossed 300. In the second Test played in Birmingham and Manchester, three of the four innings crossed that mark. The third Test at Lord’s and the final one at The Oval each had two such innings.
The Oval Test Witnesses Brook and Root Dominate
On Day 4 of the fifth Test, England gained a significant upper hand thanks to a powerful 195-run stand between Harry Brook and Joe Root. Brook scored his second century of the series, smashing 111 runs off just 98 balls, a knock filled with aggressive strokes and composed batting. The Indian bowlers failed to make a breakthrough during this partnership.
Brook had a lucky escape early in his innings when he was dropped on 19 by Mohammed Siraj, who stepped over the boundary line after taking the catch off Prasidh Krishna’s delivery. After that, Brook made the most of his opportunity, punishing the bowlers and guiding England closer to victory. Joe Root offered perfect support, rotating the strike and anchoring the innings from the other end.
Indian Bowlers Struggle to Make an Impact
India’s bowling attack seemed ineffective during England’s second innings, with none of the bowlers able to create sustained pressure. The fast bowlers found little help from the pitch, especially with the older, softer ball.
Spinners Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar also struggled to make a difference, though they weren’t given long enough spells to find rhythm. With the new ball still 14 overs away, England appeared set to finish the match before it could be taken, firmly on course for a famous win.
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