Glorious Root & Brook Put England Within Reach | ENG v IND | Day 4 | 5th Test

·25 min·2 clips

England are 35 runs from a 3-1 series win with 4 wickets left, but will they choke on day five?

The episode reviews day four of the fifth test between England and India, with England chasing a target and needing 35 runs with 4 wickets remaining to win the series 3-1. It begins by setting the high-stakes scenario, noting England's dominance in runs throughout the series. The hosts describe India's strong start with bowlers hitting the deck hard and players being chirpy, leading to early wickets of Ben Duckett and Ollie Pope. Then, Harry Brook and Joe Root take center stage, with Brook's explosive batting highlighted, including a six over extra cover and a Matrix-style shot over slips. Brook's innings of 111 off around 90 balls is noted as shifting momentum decisively. Joe Root's steady presence is praised, with stats on his 39 test hundreds, including 13 against India and 24 at home, a record. The episode details how England collapsed later, losing 6 for 40, with Jacob Bethel chopping onto his stumps, adding tension. India's efforts, such as Siraj bowling 26 overs and Akash Deep's 66, are acknowledged. The hosts speculate on Chris Woakes potentially batting with a busted shoulder, discussing the drama of injured players in test cricket. They also touch on broader themes, like records in batting eras and home advantage, and read listener comments, including one about Harry Brook not being able to play in Australia. The format is a conversational review between hosts, blending analysis with humor and fan interactions.

As heard by us

Root and Brook leave England 35 runs from a 3-1 win, with the cricket still gloriously ungovernable.

England's chase of 35 with four wickets left gives this single-episode review an easy tension: Root and Brook have pushed the side close to a 3-1 series win, but the final stretch still has just enough edge to resist tidiness.

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Why you'd press play

Press play for Root, Brook's 111, and 35 runs separating England from a 25th day finish.

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