A turning point in England’s thrilling chase
On Day 4 of the fifth Test at The Oval, England were chasing a steep target of 374. At 106 for 3, the pressure was mounting when Harry Brook walked in.
Brook’s knock was a perfect mix of aggression and control. With 14 boundaries and 2 sixes, he dominated the bowling and built a game-changing 195-run stand with Joe Root, who scored a composed 105. Together, they pushed England into a position where victory looked possible.https://amfarmers.com/
A lifeline that changed everything
Brook’s innings might have been cut short early. On 19, a mistimed shot went straight to fine leg, where Mohammed Siraj took the catch — but in stepping back, Siraj’s foot touched the boundary rope. The chance was lost, and Brook seized the opportunity, switching gears and taking charge of the chase.
Breaking records in style
This was Brook’s 10th Test hundred, and he reached the milestone in just 50 innings — the fastest by any batter this century. It was also the quickest Test century by an England player against India in the modern era, underlining his ability to score rapidly without losing his composure.
The essence of Bazball
Brook’s approach was a textbook example of the Bazball philosophy: attack the bowlers, control the tempo, and never allow the opposition to settle. With India’s seamers tiring and the ball losing its shine, Brook capitalised brilliantly, turning a tricky situation into a statement performance.
Impact and the road ahead
At just 26 years old, Harry Brook has already established himself as one of England’s most exciting Test talents. This innings was his first major hundred in a high-pressure fourth-innings chase, adding a new chapter to his growing legacy. With the 2025 Ashes on the horizon, England will be looking to Brook to deliver more of the same fearless, high-tempo batting.https://www.hindustantimes.com/cricket/mohammed-siraj-has-a-workload-too-right-jasprit-bumrah-put-on-trial-again-you-cant-say-ill-just-bowl-3-overs-101755231060424.html
Key Highlights
- 111 runs from 98 balls (14 fours, 2 sixes)
- 195-run partnership with Joe Root (105)
- Fastest to 10 Test hundreds this century (50 innings)
- Quickest England hundred vs India in the 21st century
- Kept England in the game going into the final day
Harry Brook’s knock at The Oval wasn’t just about runs — it was a statement of intent. It showed that even in the longest format, boldness, skill, and calculated risk can turn the tide of a match. In a Test that will be remembered for its drama and narrow margins, Brook’s innings was a shining example of modern Test cricket at its best.https://www.hindustantimes.com/cricket/mohammed-siraj-has-a-workload-too-right-jasprit-bumrah-put-on-trial-again-you-cant-say-ill-just-bowl-3-overs-101755231060424.html
